CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE (April 13, 2018) – In our continuing efforts to bring our music to more of the world, YPC recently embarked upon a three day tour of Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Led by Francisco Núñez, Artistic Director/Founder, and Elizabeth Núñez, Associate Artistic Director and Lee University Distinguished Alumni Awardee, a group of 42 choristers made their Tennessee debut at Lee University’s Pangle Hall on Friday, April 13, performing a rousing two-hour long concert that showcased the diversity of YPC musical offerings and performance styles. On Saturday, Francisco and Elizabeth Núñez led “Informing the Sound: A Music Education And Choral Performance Masterclass” with YPC choristers and students from Lee University. Between the concert and the masterclass, choristers had a bit of time to do some sightseeing, exploring the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.
The tour was in an eye-opening experience for the choristers. While the choristers in recent years have travelled to places like Spain and Japan, the southern United States remained relatively uncharted. Would they welcome YPC’s message of diversity and unity through song?
Indeed they would. The choristers were surprised to find their host families exceptionally warm and welcoming, our concert well-received, and the barbecue alone worth the trip. The Lee University students, in turn, had many questions about what it was like growing up in New York City, which the choristers were eager to answer. The choristers found many shared values and with the Lee University students (not the least of which being a love for barbecue), and came away with many of their preconceived notions of the south challenged. We can only hope the Lee University students have learned that New Yorkers can indeed be friendly as well!