WCG: Opening Ceremonies - Cincinnati Magazine

WCG: Opening Ceremonies

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July 5, 2012

More than 11,000 people filled the U.S. Bank arena to officially welcome the World Choir Games to Cincinnati. Here are some highlights.

Outside U.S. Bank Arena

The presentation of the flags begins.

The presentation of the flags.

The presentation of the flags.

The presentation of the flags.

The World Choir Games flag is raised and the WCG anthem is sung.

Gunter Titsch, president of the World Choir Games, welcomes the participants.

The ringing of the Peace Bell seven times signals the official start to the games. (Clearly our photographer is seated on the wrong side.)

Grammy-winner Kirk Franklin leads a mass of three gospel choirs in the singing of “I Can—the Official Song of the 2012 World Choir Games.

John Morris Russell leads the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the May Festival Choir, and numerous special guests in a musical program that celebrates the history of American music.

Jacqueline Echols sings “Summertime” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.

“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” showcases American music from the 1940s.

The CSO Classical Roots Community Choir

The Opening Ceremonies ends with a bang—a rendition of “Stars & Stripes Forever,” a burst of red, white & blue confetti, and a fireworks display after the concert.