YPC Summer Events to Include International Tours, 92nd Street Y Concerts, and Mostly Mozart Debut

The award-winning Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC) and Artistic Director/Founder Francisco J. Núñez, launch their summer season on Tuesday, June 6 with a tour to Finland, the first of two European tours this summer. They also give two concerts at the 92nd Street Y, return to Europe for performances and competitions in Barcelona, Spain, and make their Mostly Mozart debut in the Festival's opening concerts.

June 6 to 10: YPC chosen as one of three choruses worldwide to participate in Songbridge at the Tampere Vocal Music Festival in Finland

The Young People's Chorus of New York City and Francisco Núñez will travel to Finland for the first time to represent the Americas in the Songbridge program at the renowned Tampere Vocal Music Festival from Tuesday, June 6, to Saturday, June 10. One of only three choirs selected worldwide to take part in the program, YPC will be joined by the Indonesian Children and Youth Choir representing Asia and the Vox Aurea Children's Choir from Jyväskylä, Finland, representing Europe, in a Songbridge Gala concert on June 10. A key element of the Gala concert is that each of the three choirs will give the world premiere of a new work written by a composer from each choir's own country that reflects the Songbridge theme, "Freedom of Speech." YPC has commissioned composer Michael Gordon, who will be present for the premiere of his work "To Sing."

June 17: "Spring Concert Celebration" ? two concerts at the 92nd Street Y

A week after the chorus's return to New York City, YPC will perform its "Spring Concert Celebration" with two concerts Saturday, June 17, at 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the Kaufmann Concert Hall at the 92nd Street Y. This performance brings together more than 400 choristers from all YPC choral divisions, with singers from 7 to 18 years of age. Artistic Director/Founder Francisco Núñez and Associate Artistic Director Elizabeth Núñez will lead YPC in repertoire that exemplifies the versatility and virtuosity of the chorus, with works ranging from Broadway, gospel and folk music to classical and contemporary pieces, including the New York premiere of Michael Gordon's "To Sing."

Tickets from $30 to $60 are available at the 92nd Street Y box office at 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd St., by calling 212-415-5500, or online at www.92y.org.

July 11 to 16: Tour to Barcelona, Spain

In July, the Young People's Chorus of New York City and Francisco Núñez return to Europe for concerts in Barcelona, Spain. On Tuesday, July 11, YPC takes the stage at the world-famous Palau de la Música Catalana, listed as a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO and the home of the Orfeo Català, the historic symphonic choir led by Simon Halsey. Following the performance, YPC travels to Vic, a town in the Barcelona province known for its rich cultural heritage, where YPC will participate in the Festival Internacional de Música de Cantonigros from Tuesday, July 13, to Sunday, July 16. YPC joins choruses from throughout the world in this festival of competitions and performances of mixed choral music. The festival aims for participants to achieve a deeper knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures and to foster a spirit of friendship and peace among all countries and nationalities.

July 25 and 26: Mostly Mozart debut

The Young People's Chorus of New York City and Francisco Núñez make their Mostly Mozart debut in the Festival's special opening program, "The Singing Heart," at David Geffen Hall on Tuesday, July 25, at 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 26, at 7:30 p.m. YPC and Mr. Núñez will be the featured artists in a program that gives a nod to the festival's namesake composer, while embracing diverse musical traditions. YPC performs Mozart's Kyrie and traditional songs and spirituals from around the world and from Mozart's era, which will be juxtaposed with movements from Mozart's "Haffner" Symphony performed by the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra conducted by Louis Langrée. YPC and Mr. Núñez will also be joined by pianist Kit Armstrong, the Concert Chorale of New York under the direction of James Bagwell, and vocal soloists in Beethoven's Choral Fantasy.

Tickets from $35 to $85 can be purchased online at MostlyMozart.org, by phone via CenterCharge at 212.721.6500, or in person by visiting the David Geffen Hall or Alice Tully Hall Box Offices.

The Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC) is a world-renowned youth chorus founded in 1988 on a mission of diversity and artistic excellence by Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez. While harnessing the power of music to fulfill the potential of children, the program has heightened an awareness of the ability of children to rise to unforeseen levels of artistry. YPC receives invitations to perform on four continents, has won over a dozen gold medals in international choral competitions, and has invigorated the repertoire for young voices by commissioning and premiering over 100 compositions from today's most distinguished composers. YPC is the recipient of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, America's highest honor for youth programs.

The Young People's Chorus of New York City is grateful to Tommy Hilfiger,
the chorus's official tour outfitter, for generously contributing a touring wardrobe for each of YPC's young men and women who are traveling to
Finland and Spain this summer.

Photo credit: Stephanie Berger