Prior to Deval's arrival, many singer's representatives visited and all extended words of interest and encouragement towards us. We were mid-rehearsal when Mr. Patrick arrived and he encouraged us to keep singing! Our performances of "We Are Together", "Shosholoza" and "Make Them Hear You" were met with enthusiastic applause. After posing with us for a few photos, Mr. Patrick wished us a great trip, said he is looking forward to hearing all about it, and invited us to come back to the State House anytime!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Deval Patrick joins BCC for a Jordan Send-Off!
On June 25th, PC and YME singers were invited by Deval Patrick to the State House for a Jordan Send-Off photo and farewell!
Prior to Deval's arrival, many singer's representatives visited and all extended words of interest and encouragement towards us. We were mid-rehearsal when Mr. Patrick arrived and he encouraged us to keep singing! Our performances of "We Are Together", "Shosholoza" and "Make Them Hear You" were met with enthusiastic applause. After posing with us for a few photos, Mr. Patrick wished us a great trip, said he is looking forward to hearing all about it, and invited us to come back to the State House anytime!
Prior to Deval's arrival, many singer's representatives visited and all extended words of interest and encouragement towards us. We were mid-rehearsal when Mr. Patrick arrived and he encouraged us to keep singing! Our performances of "We Are Together", "Shosholoza" and "Make Them Hear You" were met with enthusiastic applause. After posing with us for a few photos, Mr. Patrick wished us a great trip, said he is looking forward to hearing all about it, and invited us to come back to the State House anytime!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Mary Ann's Farewell Gathering!
On June 16th, Young Men's Ensemble and assorted staff and friends of BCC gathered at BCC central to bid a fond farewell to Mary Ann Brennan Newcomb, BCC's Director of Development, who will be moving on next season. Mary Ann is always appreciated for her warm sunny presence in the office and great advice. She's always there to provide a good pep-talk and confidence boost! She will be very missed next season. In recognition of Mary Ann's can-do attitude and the hard work she has done for BCC, Young Men's Ensemble animatedly sang a lively arrangement of "Workin' on the Railroad".
Sunday, June 14, 2009
PC and YME prepare for Jordan Tour!
On June 14th, Premier Choir and Young Men's Ensemble gathered at Mount Ida College to perform at the Center for Arab Culture's (CAC) Graduation Ceremony. Not only was this a performance, but it was also an opportunity for singers to mingle with people from the center and try some Arab foods. Many different (and tasty) foods were tried, and a fun time was had by all! BCC has really appreciated the warmness and helpfulness of the CAC as they've been a great help in preparing BCC to tour to Jordan. As you can see, singers also wore their new tour uniform shirts for the first time, which will be worn for formal performances in Jordan. Check back soon to hear more about tour preparations!
Friday, June 12, 2009
BCC collaborates with Rwandan Performers!
On June 2nd, PC and YME had the honor of collaborating with young singers and dancers from Rwanda for a performance at UNICEF's Children's Champions Dinner, held at the State House. That evening, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his wife Jeanette were presented with an award for their work in promoting education and economic development in Rwanda. Ben Affleck, Deval Patrick, Swanee Hunt, and others were rumored to be on the audience. But what made the night special was not the glamorous performance venue or the potential celebrity sightings, but the power of music as a universal language shown so clearly in action. A few days before the performance, BCC singers and the Rwandan performers met together to rehearse. Right from the start it was clear that there were few words all mutually understood, however there was one thing everyone could relate to: music. With warm smiles on their faces, the Rwandan youth taught BCC singers a song of their own. Although this might seem simple, the mutual knowledge of this one song brought about a feeling of closeness that few other things can. The pre-existing language barrier melted away, and a new found bond developed between the groups.
At the event, President Paul Kagame gave an address. His words proved to be very relevant to the power of this collaboration. He said:
"Before I proceed, permit me to share something with you about the group of young girls who performed for us a few moments ago alongside their friends from the Boston Children's Chorus.
I was delighted to see these groups of children sing together although they live thousands of miles apart.
On April 7th of this year, Rwanda commemorated fifteen years since the 1994 genocide.
At this time, when - understandably - sorrow settles quite heavily across the country, these children we heard tonight sang songs to us - of hope and courage well beyond their years. Songs that embodied the spirit of Rwanda's resilience.
In essence, these children - and their peers back home - continue to inspire us to push against sometimes seemingly overwhelming odds to build the country they deserve, and they are the reason Rwanda will prosper." - President Paul Kagame
At the event, President Paul Kagame gave an address. His words proved to be very relevant to the power of this collaboration. He said:
"Before I proceed, permit me to share something with you about the group of young girls who performed for us a few moments ago alongside their friends from the Boston Children's Chorus.
I was delighted to see these groups of children sing together although they live thousands of miles apart.
On April 7th of this year, Rwanda commemorated fifteen years since the 1994 genocide.
At this time, when - understandably - sorrow settles quite heavily across the country, these children we heard tonight sang songs to us - of hope and courage well beyond their years. Songs that embodied the spirit of Rwanda's resilience.
In essence, these children - and their peers back home - continue to inspire us to push against sometimes seemingly overwhelming odds to build the country they deserve, and they are the reason Rwanda will prosper." - President Paul Kagame
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