2012 World Choir Games: Drew Lachey Hosts Cincinnati, Ohio Countdown Celebration

In 2012, Cincinnati, Ohio will become the first American city to host the World Choir Games. The official countdown to the event began on Monday July 11, 2011 on Fountain Square. Representatives from Cincinnati Sister City Association, United Italian Society of Cincinnati, Indian Chamber, Chinese Chamber and many other Cincinnati cultural and business organizations added an international flair to the celebration. Officials initiated the countdown with a digital display that will remain on the square until the Games begin.

Mayor Mark Mallory, event organizers, corporate sponsors and state and local officials took to the Fountain Square stage. Their excitement was evident as they discussed the significance of winning the bid to host the first Choir Games in America. The upcoming event is the largest international choral competition in the world. It will present a grand opportunity for Cincinnati to showcase its world class music venues and Midwestern hospitality.

Drew Lachey Hosted the Celebration

Cincinnati native, Drew Lachey, presented the entertainment portion of the event with an exciting preview of things to come. Lachey introduced nationally known gospel singer, Byron Cage, the Cincinnati Citywide Mass Choir, singer Kelli King and others. Whirl and Twirl, the official 2012 World Choir Games mascots, made an appearance and Lachey directed the crowd as they cheered and waved mini flags for Cincinnati's "video postcard to the world."

The 2012 World Choir Games

Think of the World Choir Games as the Olympics with singing instead of athletics. Choirs from all over the world will dress in traditional outfits and be judged in 23 musical categories, including barbershop, folklore, jazz, pop and gospel and more. Their performances will be judged by an impartial international jury. The Games will include opening and closing ceremonies, entertainment and awards. Friendship Concerts will provide free performances in city streets, parks and other venues.

The Cincinnati event will be the sixth biennial World Choir Games. Previous competitions were held in Austria in 2000; Busan, People's Republic of Korean in 2002; Bremen, Germany in 2004; Xiamen, China in 2006; Graz, Austria in 2008 and Shaoxing, China in 2010. The games come with a financial benefit for the hosting city. City officials estimate the 11 day Cincinnati event will draw over 400 choral groups and 20,000 competitors from as many as 90 countries. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in the city for the events adding an estimated 73.5 million dollar boost to the local economy.

Source:

World Choir Games Countdown Kick Off Event July 11, 2012

2012worldchoirgames.com:
http://2012worldchoirgames.com/Home/Landing?sectionName=2012-games

June 18, 2009 press release: " World Choir Games Selects Cincinnati USA as First-Ever U.S. Host City:

http://216.68.61.45/Content/files/Release%20-%20WCG%20Announcement%20%286-18-09%29.pdf