The Music Academy’s SING! Children’s Choir and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC) will present a joint concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, July 23 at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara.
Highlighting the collaboration will be the world premiere of “Tides,” an original composition commissioned by Francisco J. Núñez, YPC founder/artistic director, and created by Nia Imani Franklin, composer and former Miss America.
“Tides” delves into the intricate relationship between humanity and the Earth, inspiring individuals to reflect on their impact on the environment and embrace sustainable practices to minimize unnecessary waste.
As an artist and advocate, Franklin’s composition resonates with the mission of the joint concert, aiming to raise awareness and promote positive change through the power of music.
The performance at the Lobero concludes YPC’s weeklong residency at Music Academy. Through YPC’s national choral organization, YPC National, conductors, teachers and children in grades 6-12 from across the country have the opportunity to work with Núñez, a MacArthur Fellow, as well as Franklin and additional YPC artistic faculty, studying repertoire and refining conducting skills.
“We’re thrilled to bring our YPC National program to Music Academy and the 35 teachers from around the country that will participate in this residency to learn with us.,” Núñez said.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to create this choral training initiative where YPC philosophies and methods are learned and then brought to other communities,” he said.
Tickets can be purchased, starting at $40, at musicacademy.org, by calling 805-969-8787, or by visiting the ticket office at the Music Academy.
Montecito Bank & Trust is the lead corporate sponsor of the SING! program, which is a free, after-school choral initiative open to first-grade through sixth-grade students in Santa Barbara County.
Performance opportunities include concerts and collaborations with the Music Academy artists, including a recent appearance with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Young People’s Chorus of New York City, a multicultural youth chorus internationally renowned for its virtuosity and showmanship, was founded on a mission of diversity and artistic excellence in 1988 by Núñez, a MacArthur Fellow and Musical America’s 2018 Educator of the Year.