Affinity Female Voice Choir has been invited to perform at the world famous Carnegie Hall, after being discovered online by top a capella music producers. Members will travel to New York to take part in Total Vocal, where they will work with the Musical Director of the Pitch Perfect film series, Deke Sharon. It is the first time a choir from Wales has ever been invited to perform at a Total Vocal event. “We are so honoured to have received this prestigious invitation to take part in Total Vocal and perform on stage at Carnegie Hall,” said Diane Wright, founder and Musical Director of Affinity Female Voice Choir. “Affinity is a community choir that works really hard to achieve high standards so this is great recognition for all our efforts. We’re delighted that our videos online caught the producers’ ear! “This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are very excited to be working under the creative direction of a respected musician like Deke Sharon.
Total Vocal, produced by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), involves a two-day residency with Deke Sharon followed by a concert at Carnegie Hall.
The annual event’s fifth anniversary concert, which celebrates contemporary a capella music, will take place in the Isaac Stern Auditorium on Sunday 24 March, 2019.
A choir of distinction
“The outstanding reputation of male voice choirs in Wales is recognised world-wide but so often the female choirs are over-looked,” added Diane.
“This invitation is a timely reminder that with dedication, enthusiasm and talent, a ladies choir can offer something to the local and world stage too."
Affinity Female Voice Choir will join with other choristers from around the world to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a choir of distinction, led by Deke Sharon.
Dr Jonathan Griffith, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for DCINY, said: “Affinity received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers. It is quite an honour just to be invited to perform in New York. These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support.”
Support from the Cardiff community
Affinity Female Voice Choir is looking for sponsorship and donations from local businesses and individuals to help support the financial costs of the trip. “As a community choir we have limited funds available to be able to help our members with these costs,” explained Diane. “We would love the Cardiff community to get behind us so that we can send as many of our members as possible to represent the Welsh capital on the international stage. “This invitation is a wonderful opportunity for Cardiff, Wales and Great Britain and I couldn’t be more determined and enthusiastic about making this New York dream come true."
