The World Choir Games Come to Cincinnati USA

In July 2012, the World Choir Games come to Cincinnati USA in what will be the largest international cultural event in the history of Cincinnati USA. The Olympics of choral music will bring 20,000 competitors from 70 countries as the Games come to the U.S. for the first time ever. 400 choirs from countries like China, South Africa, Germany, Brazil, Australia, inspired by the ideals of singing through peaceful competition and attracting upwards of 200,000 spectators from around the world.

This is a truly transformational event for Cincinnati. For the first time in our city's history, we have the opportunity to showcase, on a global stage, our rich cultural heritage, our world-class attractions, and the great things that make us who we are. The Games are projected to have an economic impact of $73.5 million on our region, and 2011 is filled with a number of important planning milestones and announcements as we prepare for the Games next year. For example:

• Procter & Gamble has signed on as the Games' first presenting sponsor. Click here to read the full story from David Holthaus at the Cincinnati Enquirer.
• Werner Geissler, P&G's vice chair of global operations, along with his wife Sabine, have signed on to be the Global Co-Chairs of the event. Click here to check out a video message from Mr. Geissler about the power and potential of the Games and the impact it will have on Cincinnati USA.
• The United States Co-Chairs for the 2012 World Choir Games are the Honorable Nathaniel Jones and his wife Lillian, and Shannon and Lee Carter.
• A promotional video was produced in partnership with P&G highlighting the power, prestige and international flavor of the World Choir Games. Click here to check it out.

In July 2010, community leaders from across the region travelled to Shaoxing, China, to study and learn about the event logistics and operations, but also to promote Cincinnati USA to the thousands of choir participants from across the globe. One of the most powerful tools we had to demonstrate the influence of American music and culture was a production written and created right here in Cincinnati called "The American Dream." Produced by Cincinnati's own Moening Presentation Group, this live, hour long show took the audience on a journey through American history and music leaving them with a taste of what they may experience coming to Cincinnati for the 2012 Games.

Many of the global partnerships and friendships we forged there will last a lifetime. There was one group in particular that was crucial to helping us while we were in Shaoxing: our partners and friends from Luizhou, China, Cincinnati's Sister City.

Nine volunteers and three officials from the Liuzhou Foreign Affairs office travelled the great distance from Luizhou to Shaoxing and worked closely with us during our entire stay in China. Their assistance made all the difference, not only as translators, but as insiders who helped us navigate through complex language and the occasional cultural barrier.