The INTERKULTUR year 2020 begins in Japan
Choirs from 10 nations open 2nd edition of Sing'n'Pray Kobe
A commemorative concert travels around the world: Within the framework of Sing'n'Pray Kobe 2020 from January 16 - 20, 2020, a total of 19 choirs from 10 nations will come together to commemorate the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in the area around Fukushima in March 2011 during the great "Pray from Kobe" concert. In addition, there will be international friendship concerts, consultation rounds, workshops and two competitions in the category Music of Spirit & Faith.
On Thursday, January 16, the first day of the Japanese choral event started with a welcome reception for the choir conductors in the Harbor Café Kobe. INTERKULTUR’s Artistic Director Fred Sjöberg and the National Project Director Masahiro Kishimoto welcomed the participants and were particularly enthusiastic about the participation of so many international singers who had travelled to the event from countries such as Hungary and Finland.
Friday, January 17, will be dedicated to a variety of workshops: At 3:30 pm Chun Koo will introduce the seminar participants to the facets of South Korean choral music in the rehearsal room of the Bunka Hall. At 5.30 p.m. Yuka Maeda will give an insight into the subtle nuances of the Japanese scale and afterwards Johann Rooze will devote his workshop to the close connection between classical and modern choral songs.
Competitions for category M rule Saturday, January 18: Here choirs can perform music of all religions, churches and denominations as well as general songs focusing on spirit and faith. At 11 a.m. Children and Youth Choirs from seven nations will start the competition in the Kobe Bunka Hall, which will be continued with the second part at 3 p.m. The Adult Choirs will enter the stage at 18:45 at the same place to present to their audience a wide variety of choir traditions.
On Sunday, January 19, the famous "Pray from Kobe Concert" will begin at 1:30 pm in the Bunka Hall. This concert not only commemorates the victims of natural disasters in Japan, but is also dedicated to peace throughout the world. At 4 pm all choirs will gather again to celebrate, sing and celebrate choral community at the award ceremony and the closing ceremony.
More information about the event can be found at www.interkultur.com. Follow the event’s Facebook page for regular updates from Kobe!
