Miel de Botton Presents The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus On First US Tour

The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus is bringing their message of peace to the US, performing in five US cities in June. The choir, an ensemble of high school students from East and West Jerusalem, includes both Palestinian and Israeli singers, who through music and dialogue, are able to see beyond their differences and conflicts and work together for peace in their community and beyond.

Founded and directed by Micah Hendler, a graduate of Yale, with the goal of using collective music-making to create community and foster shared identity, the group use their live performances to inspire people to work for peace. Hendler explains, "The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus combines my passions for youth singing and Middle East peacemaking in a creative approach to conflict transformation that I believe can have a significant impact."

The Chorus and its message have inspired many people, including Miel de Botton, a London-based singer-songwriter who is the daughter of financier and art collector Gilbert and sister of writer and philosopher Alain. Miel is also a philanthropist and after seeing them perform, she brought them to London, as she explains:

"I came across them 2 and a half years ago through the Jerusalem Foundation and was so inspired by them, I decided to support them. This December they came to London and I sang with them at a fantastic concert at the Aldwych Theatre." Miel went on, " I am so thrilled that these young men and women who are often raised in the mistrust of each other have found a joyous way of connecting through music. During the hostilities this summer, they braved huge obstacles to rehearse with each other. They did so even in the bunkers, I was moved to tears..."

Miel has been invited to sing with them again as a guest vocalist on their US tour and will perform with the choir at the Kennedy Center. June marks Miel's debut in the US, while in Europe and the UK Miel has just released her own enthralling debut album, Magnetic, a double album in English and French. Miel will be making her first US appearance performing in New York as a solo artist on June 11 at The Cutting Room prior to her performance with the choir at the Kennedy Center, more details on Miel's show to follow soon. Here are the dates for the YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus:

The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus US Tour Dates

Wed, June 17: Yale International Choral Festival Performance, Sprague Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT

Thurs, June 18: "Morning Sing", Chorus America Conference, Boston, MA

Thurs, June 18: Performance with Zamir Chorale, Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA

Sat, June 20: Yale International Choral Festival Gala Performance (with all invited ensembles), Woolsey Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT

Tues, June 23: Performance with Young People's Chorus of New York, Chicago Children's Choir, Symphony Space, New York, NY

Wed, June 24: Performance with the Children's Chorus of Washington, Sidwell Friends School Chamber Chorus, Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC

Fri, June 26: Performance at the Millennium Stage, with special guest Miel de Botton, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC

Mon, June 29: Performance with Keystone State Boychoir, Pennsylvania Girlchoir, Al Bustan Seeds of Culture, location TBD, Philadelphia, PA

ABOUT THE YMCA JERUSALEM YOUTH CHORUS:

Founded in 2012, the YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus creates a space for high school students from East and West Jerusalem to grow together in both song and dialogue. Through the co-creation of music and the sharing of stories, the chorus empowers these youth to become leaders in their communities and inspire singers and listeners around the world to work for peace. Watch the inspiring video of the Chorus' rendition of "Home" with YouTube superstar Sam Tsui here. The video already has over 300,00 views. The Chorus is an official program of the Jerusalem International YMCA. Visit their website: http://jerusalemyouthchorus.org/

ABOUT MIEL de BOTTON:

London based, Swiss-born, Miel de Botton's, debut album, Magnetic, is a collection of deeply personal songs, in English and French, that breathe new life into her beloved chansons (Jacques Brel et al) with sensitive interpretations and innovative arrangements. Produced by Andy Wright (Simply Red, Eurythmics, Jeff Beck, Imelda May) Magnetic is presented on two discs and is the sensuous, exultant sound of a woman who has finally found her path. Magnetic w?as released in the UK on March 9, 2015 and will be released in the US in the summer of 2015. http://mielmusic.co.uk/home-2/

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