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Boston Children's Chorus (BCC) recently released a video featuring singers, alumni, and staff singing the organization's anthem, We Sing – the first in a series of recordings to be created as part of BCC’s Virtual Choir repertoire. With the organization’s newest release, Rise Up by Andra Day, the Virtual Choir embraces its national and international audiences through a collaboration between Gondwana Choirs (Sydney, Australia), Denver Children’s Choir, Cincinnati Boychoir, and Children’s Chorus of Washington (DC).
Like many of its cultural colleagues, BCC has interrupted in-person rehearsals and programming in response to COVID-19, but this has not stopped the organization from actively pursuing its mission. Within days of closing offices temporarily, BCC moved its rehearsal studios online and rolled out multiple initiatives that transcend physical distancing by bringing singers together in digital classrooms and choirs online.
“BCC is unwavering in its dedication to our community during this time. Remaining active and innovative is of paramount importance, both for the people that we serve and for the future of our organization,” says Chief Programs Officer, Irene Idicheria. “This period of social distancing has allowed us to recognize that we are part of a vibrant, resilient, global community, and the Virtual Choir is a celebration of just that.”
The idea behind the Virtual Choir is simple: singers record their singing parts to the selected song with the assistance of a pre-recorded click track, piano accompanist, and pre-filmed conductor. BCC’s Director of Artistic Programming, Robbie Jacobs, then combines the separate video files into a single, collaborative rendition of the song—with powerful results.
Each week, until at least April 27th, BCC will present a new Virtual Choir, in collaboration with leading youth choruses, to build a global youth movement of solidarity and togetherness.
“We extend an open invitation to youth choruses from America and beyond to reach out to me at rjacobs@bostonchildrenschorus.org and join the initiative,” says BCC’s Director of Artistic Programming, Robbie Jacobs. “We are excited to share our resources and bind our choral communities together through a message of joy, hope, and unity at a time of adversity.”
About Boston Children’s Chorus
BCC harnesses the power of music to connect our city's diverse communities, cultivate empathy, and inspire social inquiry. BCC choir programs include 13 choirs with singers from 110 different zip codes in and around Boston. Named Boston’s “Ambassadors of Harmony” by the Boston Globe, BCC presents over 50 performances per season in a wide range of public and private events. They have performed in venues from Boston Symphony Hall, and Royal Albert Hall in London, to Sydney Opera House, and the White House.
