YPC of NYC to Present Concerts of Hope at Symphony Space, 6/23

On Tuesday, June 23, the Young People's Chorus of New York City and Artistic Director/Founder Francisco J. Núñez welcome two extraordinary youth choirs to Symphony Space for a very special concert in its Transmusica series, created to build bridges to other world cultures.

Joining YPC on Tuesday, June 23, at 7 p.m. are the New York debut of YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus, comprising Israeli and Palestinian teenagers, and the Chicago Children's Choir, known as "ambassadors of peace" in their community, for a concert that will be a powerful demonstration of how music and young people can be compelling forces for peace and reconciliation within world communities.

The 7 p.m. concert will be preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a discussion of understanding among contrasting communities with the conductors: Mr. Núñez, Micah Hendler, the founder of the YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus, and Josephine Lee, the president and artistic director of the Chicago Children's Choir.

General admission is $20, and tickets for seniors and children are $10. Premium tickets at $150, which help support YPC, are $130 tax deductible. All tickets are available now at the Symphony Space box office, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, by calling 212-864-5400, or online at www.symphonyspace.org.

These three, high-level youth choruses, all models of their founding missions of inclusion, will each sing several pieces individually, exhibiting both the differences and commonalities among them. The singers will then come together in a moving and inspirational finale, revealing one voice, which goes beyond religious or political differences directly to the human heart.

Since YPC created the Transmusica concert series in 2012, YPC has invited choirs from Indonesia, Japan, Australia, and several Hispanic countries to share the stage and their music, connecting communities and serving as a catalyst to promote good will, peace, and friendship.

The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus was founded in 2012 by choir director Micah Hendler, a graduate of Yale University and a former Whiffenpoof. He has spent years exploring the intersection between music and conflict transformation, focusing on how collective music-making can create community and foster a shared identity, even across boundaries of conflict. The Israeli and Palestinian choristers, comprising Jewish,Muslim, and Christian high school students, attain high levels of musicianship andempathy for one another. Through music and dialogue, the singers learn skills of communication and trust, enabling them to form friendships with-and an understanding of-those from the other side of the city. The chorus hopes its live and virtual performances will inspire others to join in their work for peace. www.jerusalemyouthchorus.org

The Chicago Children's Choir was founded in 1956 and today, serves nearly 4,000 children annually. The Chicago Children's Choir empowers singers to bridge cultural divides and become ambassadors of peace in their communities. The diversity in thechoir reflects the cultural landscape of the city. Under President and Artistic Director Josephine Lee, the choir has undertaken many highly successful national and international tours, was featured in the Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award-winning documentary Songs on the Road to Freedom (2008), and in nationally broadcast television and radio performances, including NBC's Today, Oprah and the PBS series From the Top: Live from Carnegie Hall. Chicago Children's Choir regularly collaborates with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Ravinia Festival and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. The choir proudly serves its community with frequent performances throughout Chicago. www.ccchoir.org

The Young People's Chorus of New York City was founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez, a MacArthur "genius" Fellow on a mission of diversity and artistic excellence. The program harnesses the power of music to fulfill the potential of children of any cultural or economic background, while heightening an awareness of the potential of young people to rise to unforeseen levels of artistry. Each year almost 1,400 children ages 7 to 18 benefit musically, academically, and socially through their participation in YPC's after-school and in-school programs. In 2011 YPC was recognized with America's highest honor for youth programs, a National Medal of Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, from the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. www.ypc.org

Photo Credit: Bruce Silcox