Two standing ovations from an audience of nearly 1,500 delegates from 17 countries saluted the Kent-based Rainier Youth Choir’s Consonare and Colla Voice ensembles at the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Convention’s opening night July 20 at Spokane’s INB Performing Arts Center.
The society is a women’s educational organization with more than 100,000 members worldwide.
The first ovation, early in the program, was for Kent composer and DKG member Janice Hannesson Moen’s composition, “We Sing for the Children.” The song, selected by the United Nations as the theme song for UNICEF’s CD promoting the Afghan Teacher Training Project in 2008, holds special significance for the Delta Kappa Gamma organization.
“I have never heard my song sung so well,” Moen said.
Many in the audience were moved to tears.
The choirs presented a variety of songs from around the world. Among the favorites were “Loch Lomond” featuring tenor Ryan Callahan, a 2010 Kentwood High School graduate; and “For Good” with solos by alto Devon Wilson, a 2010 Kentwood graduate, and soprano Katie Wenndt, a 2010 Kentridge graduate.
The final showstopper was a rendition of Marcos Leite’s “Trěs Cantos Nativos dos Indios Kraó,” a set of three short songs from the Brazilian rain forest that began with a rainstorm effect using body percussion.
“This was one of our finest programs ever,” said Leora Schwitters, Rainier Youth Choirs artistic director. “The singers were entirely engaged and their performance was electric. The use of two giant video screens above the stage and professional sound reinforcement allowed even those in the very back of the giant hall to participate in the intimacy of a heartfelt sharing of songs. We were all transported in that magical way that only choral music can allow.”
Rainier Youth Choirs is a non-profit community organization offering three choir levels for boys and girls from the fourth grade through college. Singers come from Kent, Auburn, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Renton and surrounding areas.
Auditions by appointment will be offered for new members wishing to join prior to next season’s first rehearsal Sept. 13 in Covington.
For more information, go to www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.
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