The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus, a choral and dialogue program for Israeli and Palestinian high school students in Jerusalem, will be making its U.S. debut at the Yale International Choral Festival on Wednesday, June 17, at 5 pm in Sprague Hall at Yale University in New Haven.
The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus has attracted world renown through previous international tours to Japan and London and recording with the likes of Israeli artist David Broza in Jerusalem and in London with Duran Duran. A recent music video, “Home,” recorded with YouTube star (and Yale alumnus) Sam Tsui, has amassed more than 200,000 views.
Through the co-creation of music and the sharing of stories, the Chorus seeks to empower youth of Jerusalem to become leaders in their communities and inspire singers and listeners around the world to work for peace.
Musically, the YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus strives to reflect the values of equality and inclusiveness. As its members often come from vastly different musical traditions, the Chorus draws upon influences from both East and West in its repertoire and musical style, blending Arabic mawwal (vocal improvisation) with classical harmonies, drawing out the Arabic rhythms in everything from pop songs to traditional carols, and blending lyrics in Hebrew, Arabic, English and beyond in songs that come from all over the world.
"The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus combines my passions for youth singing and Middle East peacemaking in a creative approach to conflict transformation that I believe can have a significant impact," writes Micah Hendler, founder and director, on the group’s website.
Hendler is a graduate of Yale University with degrees in music and international studies. In addition, he has spent years exploring the intersection between music and conflict transformation. Specifically, he has focused on how collective music-making can create community and foster shared identity, even across boundaries of conflict.
The Chorus’ U.S. debut at Yale on June 17 will be followed by two performances in Massachusetts the following day, including a 12:30 pm performance with the Zamir Chorale at the Massachusetts State House.
For further details about the tour, including ticketing information, please use this link: jerusalemyouthchorus.org/tour.
The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus is an official program of the Jerusalem International YMCA. The Chorus also receives support from the Jerusalem Foundation, with its current U.S. tour made possible with additional support from the Yale International Choral Festival and Yale Alumni Chorus Foundation.
The YMCA had been present in Jerusalem old city since 1878. In the 1920s, Dr. Archibald Harte worked tirelessly for his vision of an international YMCA branch in Jerusalem that would serve as a bridge between faiths and cultures.
The “new” international YMCA building was dedicated in 1933 by Lord Edmund Allenby. Harte’s vision was captured in three inscriptions revealed at the dedication: “The Lord our God the Lord is One” in Hebrew, “I am the Way” in Aramaic and “There is no God but God” in Arabic.
Today, the Jerusalem International YMCA is a place where all residents of the city can gather and enjoy culture, education and fitness programs. Indeed, the YMCA celebrates what unites us rather than what divides us.
In recognition of its efforts in promoting peace, understanding and the dignity of humankind, the Jerusalem International YMCA was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
In addition to these unique attributes, the Jerusalem International YMCA is also part of a network of U.S. YMCAs. Like its sister institutions, JIY focuses on promoting a healthy mind, body and spirit for all.