World Choir Games Selects Cincinnati as 2012 Host City

COLUMBUS, OH, June 11, 2011 (Press-News.org) Its rich, cultural background, world-class attractions, state-of-the-art performance venues and passion for fine arts are among the reasons Cincinnati, USA was chosen to host the 2012 World Choir Games, slated for July 4-14, 2012. As the first ever U.S. city to hold the world's largest international choral competition the 2012 World Choir Games are seeing overwhelming choir interest in participating in the 2012 Games. Thus, INTERKULTUR, the International Organizing Committee of the World Choir Games, just announced that early-bird registration has been extended through July 15 from the original June deadline.

Director of North American Markets for INTERKULTUR, Lori Lobsiger, today said that her office has been in contact with more than 500 choirs from the United States and Canada, including 38 states. INTERKULTUR is also reporting that international interest is higher than ever before this far out from the Games.

Often called "the Olympics of choral music," complete information on the 7th World Choir Games is available at www.2012WorldChoirGames.com and information on Cincinnati is available on www.CincyUSA.com. Traveler packages featuring tickets to World Choir Games events and sites are being prepared and will be launched this fall.

The Games kick off with dazzling Opening Ceremonies on July 4, 2012 and will culminate with equally dramatic Closing Ceremonies on July 14. The World Choir Games will include more than 400 choirs and 200,000 participants, representing 70 countries, making it the largest global gathering in Cincinnati's storied history of hosting major events. Nearly two dozen different music categories will be featured, from folk, swing and gospel choirs to barbershop, chamber and children's choirs.

Cincinnati, USA will become the world epicenter for performing arts and culture during the two-week competition next July. Much like the Olympics, the event is held every two years and features opening and closing ceremonies and a parade of nations, where performers will walk through downtown Cincinnati dressed in traditional costumes of their native country. Multiple performance venues, including Duke Energy Convention Center, Fountain Square, Kings Island, Music Hall, Christ Church Cathedral, and others, will play host to some 300 public performances and competitions. A series of free Friendship Concerts will also offer the public no-cost access to some these incredible global performances.

There are two separate and distinct competitions, each with its own awards system. The Champions Competition is designed for choirs that meet specific qualification standards, while Open Competition is for any choir, regardless of artistic achievement, that wishes to participate. Detailed information on competition categories, awards, descriptions of concerts and more is available at www.2012WorldChoirGames.com.

The World Choir Games is a signature event of INTERKULTUR, a Germany-based organization that produces international choral events worldwide. Inspired by the Olympic ideal, World Choir Games' goal is to unite people from all nations through singing in peaceful competition. A worldwide spotlight will be on Cincinnati, Ohio for this exhilarating and unforgettable event.

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Contact Amy Weirick (614) 838-8380 or amy@WeirickCommunications.com

Weirick Communications, Inc. is a Midwest-based PR firm focused on telling the world about great travel, culinary and event experiences. Contact Weirick Communications at 614.848.8380 or amy@weirickcommunications.com.