The UN Singers is going to Japan from Octorber 24 to November 1, 2009!
Itinerary
24 October Leave New York as a group.
25 October We will be picked up at the airport in Tokyo and transported to the Shinagawa Prince Hotel.
[25 and 26 October: Tokyo]
26 October Joint concert with Tokyo University of Arts in Tokyo and Reception by the Organizer, participants and sponsors of the concerts as well as the executive committee members.
Stay over night in Tokyo.
[27-29: Utsunomiya]
27 October Travel from Tokyo to Utsunomia by bus at 9:00 am. After breakfast there will be a rehearsal and joint concert with The Chorus Shizuwa in which the UN Singers is expected to perform 30-45 minute at the Utsunomiya concert hall. That will be followed by a Formal Welcome Reception hosted by the Governor of Tochigi and Mayor of Utsunomia together with local population. (The seating capacity of the hall is 1600).
28 October Tour of world heritage historical sites NIKKO,(lunch provided) and a reception later in the day.
29 October Visit to 2 schools for exchange. Courtesy calls with the mayor and governor. Return to Tokyo in the afternoon and visit 2 schools.
[29 Oct – 1 Nov, Tokyo]
30 October Courtesy call with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (TBC)
In the afternoon, visit to UNU (TBC)
31 October Joint concert with Tokyo University of Arts and Marunouchi Singers as well as Opera concert
1 November Departure from Tokyo and Return to NYC.
Programme
Huanghe Chuanfu Qü (Song of the Yellow River boatmen) - China
This is a folk song from Shanxi Province, north of the Yellow River. It depicts the hard life of the boatmen, who used singing and humming to give them energy, similar to the American slaves. They sing of the “99 bends of the Yellow River”, i.e. the endless number of bends, which make their journey hazardous. (Owing to the many ravines in the region, the Shanxi people used to call out to each other from a distance, and this is reflected in the melodies and rhythms of the songs of this province.)
Narayama (Hill of Nara) – Japan
In this song, composed by Kozaburo Hirai (b.1910), based on a poem by Shihoko Kitami, a woman wanders in deep sorrow at Narayama recalling her lover, just as 1,200 years ago Emperor Nintoku mourned his love for Empress Iwanohime. Narayama is the name of a hill near Nara, the ancient capital of Japan.
Daichi Sansho (Hymn of praise to Mother Earth) - Japan
Mother Earth is grieving over the destruction of the planet. She calls on mankind to work in harmony with nature to bring the Earth back to health.
Akatombo (Red dragonfly) - Japan
An evocative song by Kosaku Yamada and Rofu Miki, arranged by Makoto Shiriohara. "In the glow of sunset, a red dragonfly perches lightly on a branch. I remember seeing these when I was a little boy."
Let There Be Peace on Earth - United States
This peace song by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson conveys the message that peace in the world must begin in the hearts of each one of us. The first verse says: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me; / Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. / With God as our Father, children all are we, / Let us walk with each other, in perfect harmony.”
It's a Small World - United States
This catchy children’s song was written by brother songwriters Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman for a ride that originated at the 1964/65 New York World’s Fair. After the fair closed, the ride was transferred to Disneyland. It features figures of children of the world, frolicking in a spirit of international unity and singing this tune, which has a theme of global peace. The song is arguably the most widely performed song on earth.
Allundé - Kenya
A father's prayer in the Luhya language: "Oh God of the sunrise, watch over my child and protect him through the night."
Te Quiero (I love you) - Argentina
This is a setting by Argentine composer Alberto Favero of a poem by Uruguayan poet Mario Benedetti, in a choral arrangement by Liliana Cangiano. "I love you because you are my companion, my everything. In the street, arm in arm, we are much more than two... I love you because your hands work for justice... I love you for your eyes, which ward off evil on my difficult journey… I love you because your mouth knows how to cry out for rebellion… I want you in my paradise, that is to say, in my country I want the people to live happily, even if that is forbidden...."
Dirait-on (One would say) - United States/Austria
This is a musical setting composed in 1993 by choral composer Morten Johannes Lauridsen (b.1943, USA) of an evocative poem written in French by the Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke (b.1875, Austro-Hungary; died 1926, Switzerland). It is one of six poems he wrote entitled “Les Chansons des Roses”, and is based on the theme of narcissism and self-awareness.
The Lord Bless You and Keep You – United Kingdom
This farewell anthem by John Rutter, composer and conductor (b.1945, London) is taken from Numbers, chap. 6: “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, the Lord lift his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
Samiotissa (Girl from Samos) - Greece
This folksong is one of a vast number of traditional Kalamatiano songs. These date back to antiquity (and are believed to be named after the town of Kalamata), in which the performers dance in a circle. Samiotissa tells of a young man’s infatuation with the girl from Samos, even though she broke his heart.
Noore Suve Muinasjutt (Early summer fairy tale) - Estonia
This song, based on lyrics by Ernst Enno (1875-1934), was composed by Veljo Tormis (1930-96), one of Estonia’s most renowned composers and an ardent champion of its folk-song revival. “Distant on the village meadow, music pealing, festive talk, forest murmur, distant echo, early summer’s fairy talk.”
Buhat (Since) - Philippines
A love song by Mike Velarde, Jr, with lyrics by Dominador Santiago and arranged by Ruben Federizon. "I've wanted you ever since I laid eyes on you, and I love you."
Panama Tombé (The fallen hat) - Haiti
This jocular account in French Creole of a local uprising in Haiti was arranged by Irving Burgie, the prolific songwriter and musician born in New York of Barbadian descent. A horseman sets out for the village of Jacmel. Riding through Vallee and arriving at the Bene crossroads, he calls out: "My Panama hat has fallen off. If anyone is coming behind, please pick it up for me!"
Brachá le Nerot Shabat (We kindle these lights) - Israel
A prayer for lighting the Shabat candles, by Matilde Meir (1921-96).
Estrela é Lua Nova (Star and new moon) - Brazil
In this rhythmic makumba, arranged by Heitor Villa-Lobos, a ritual is performed by the light of the new moon under a starry sky. (A makumba was originally a form of African spiritual worship brought to Brazil by African slaves.)
Otche Nash (Our Father) - Russia
This sonorous version of the Lord’s Prayer in Church Slavonic is by Nikolai Kedrov (1871-1940), the Russian liturgical composer.
Shenandoah - United States
This well-known American folk song dates back to the early 1800s. Originating as a river shanty, it later became popular with sea-going crews. This version of Shenandoah is by James Erb (b.1926), American composer and conductor, best-known for his various arrangementsof this song.
Son de Camagüey (Rhythm of Camagüey) - Cuba
This lively Afro-Cuban folk song, in an arrangement by Stephen Hatfield (b.1956), the Canadian composer and folklorist, praises the music and scenery of Camagüey and the natural good looks of the people. (Camagüey, in central Cuba, is the nation’s third largest city.)
Ain’t Got Time to Die - United States
A rousing negro spiritual by Hall Johnson (1888-1970). “I keep so busy praising my Jesus, ain’t got time to die …”
Agáchate el Sombrerito(Tip your hat) - Colombia
This is a popular bambuco, arranged by Rubén Urbiztondo.“Tip your hat and look at me… I am dying of love. Hurrah for the girls of Bogotá!”
------------------------------Informal---------------------------
Java Jive - United States
This catchy nonsense song in praise of coffee and tea was composed by Ben Oakland (1907-79), the prolific American composer and pianist, with lyrics by Milton Drake (b.1916, New York City). It became a smash hit.
Siyahamba Ekukhanyeni Kwenkhosi (We are walking in the light of God) - S. Africa
A song from Zululand expressing faith in God.
