The Young People’s Chorus of New York City® (YPC), the multicultural youth chorus renowned internationally for its superb virtuosity and brilliant showmanship and as a model for an inclusive society, makes its Texas debut Tuesday, July 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Austin. Conducted by its founder, Francisco J. Núñez, YPC will perform repertoire that exemplifies the versatility and virtuosity of the chorus, with works ranging from classical and contemporary pieces to Broadway, gospel and folk music, and music composed by Mr. Núñez, complete with choreography by Jacquie Bird. Joining YPC is special guest, Grammy-nominated blues and folk music singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster.
Tickets from $25 to $100 are available at the Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Avenue) and online here.
For more than 28 years, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City has brought children of diverse ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds together through a program of musical excellence, community and educational initiatives aimed to fulfill the potential of every child―musically, academically and socially. Over 1,600 children from ages 7 to 18 participate annually in YPC’s after-school and in-school programs. Founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez, a MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow, YPC’s commitment to diversity and artistic excellence inspires invitations from a global array of festivals, cultural institutions, and cities on four continents. This past season, YPC won five gold medals at the Golden Gate International Choral Competition; sang for Pope Francis at the 9/11 Memorial Museum, an event seen by over a billion people around the world; and became the only American chorus ever to win first prize in the 54-year history of the EBU’s Euroradio Competition in Munich. Among its many awards, in 2011 YPC received America’s highest honor for youth choruses, a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, from First Lady Michelle Obama. YPC has also been revolutionary in expanding the repertoire for children’s choruses by commissioning and premiering over 100 pieces of music, 80 alone through its groundbreaking Transient Glory and Radio Radiance series. YPC’sTransient Glory series has been featured on three recordings, the most recent of which, released by Cantaloupe Music in 2015, comprises music by Paquito D’Rivera, Michael Gordon, John Corigliano, Meredith Monk, Terry Riley and Bora Yoon.
YPC tour uniforms donated by Tommy Hilfiger.
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Tuesday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.)
Paramount Theatre
713 Congress Avenue, Austin
Young People’s Chorus of New York City
Francisco J. Núñez, Artistic Director/Founder
with Special Guest Ruthie Foster
Daniel Brewbaker… Who But I? from “Out of the Mist”
Urmas Sisask… Heliseb Väljadel
Francisco J. Núñez… Naturaleza
George Gershwin, arr. Matt Podd… A Gershwin Medley
Brazilian Folk Song, arr. Marcos Leite… Trěs Cantos Nativos dos Indios Kraó
Billy Strayhorn, arr. Linda Twine… Take the A Train
Francisco J. Núñez… Take This Hammer
Rev. J.K. Alwood, arr. Shawn Kirchner… Unclouded Day
Stephen Foster, arr. Robert Lau, ed. F. Núñez… Beautiful Dreamer
Leonard Bernstein | Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim… West Side Story
Spiritual, arr. Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory… Ain’t No Grave Can Hold My Body Down
Paul Simon, arr. Kirby Shaw arr. Matt Podd… Bridge Over Troubled Water
Tickets from $25 to $100 are available now at the Paramount Theatre or online here.