By Benedicte Dansie
The International Barbershop Convention being put on by the Barbershop Harmony Society at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah is an event that impresses me more and more each day I attend. All day, groups from around the world performed in the Chorus Competition, which had such a high level of quality and showmanship; it was a beautiful and entertaining way to spend part of my day.
The Barbershop Harmony Society and their affiliates have multiple districts around the world that strive to promote the love of music and preservation of Barbershop’s history. Worldwide, more than 70,000 men and women take part in various Barbershop organizations, encompassing more than 60 countries. With all the different nations and cultures included in this preservation and performing of Barbershop comes a sense of unity. Each singing group has their own distinctive voice, and many groups strive to use songs from their homeland for shows and competitions to blend their cultural identity with the music they so dearly love to sing. They bring these unique bits of their country and culture with them when they perform, creating a tapestry of life and color within the world of barbershop. These differences are celebrated by the Barbershop Society and community as a whole.
At the close of the Chorus Competition, last year’s gold medal winner Vocal Majority sang away their gold medal to the 2019 winners The Westminster Chorus. During this portion of the program, the leader of Vocal Majority stepped forward and explained the tradition that the winning group of the previous year gives a small gift to each currently competing group. Typically it’s a little something like a pin from the country or state the winning group is from. However, this year, Vocal Majority had the idea that they wanted their gift to be something that they could share with competitors and audience members alike. So, after singing a small selection of their own music, they invited all those competing to join them in singing a newly written song “Ode to Freedom”. Over 1,400 copies of sheet music were distributed prior to the International Convention, so when the time came all of the competing chorus members rose throughout the Conference Center to join in song. The experience was truly unlike anything else. From all corners of the room, voices from all over the world joined together singing for freedom. Their voices filled the room leaving audience members overcome with emotion.
The Barbershop Harmony Society Presents The International Barbershop Convention
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Conference Center, 60 N Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150
Tickets: $0-349
Contact: 435-932-0647
June 30-July 7, 2019
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