Music is a universal language – and comfort.
While COVID-19 concerns have led to most entertainment events and concerts being canceled, that hasn’t stopped talented artists from coming together to brighten our days. In fact, many groups are taking their performances online. Here are just a few of our favorite virtual choirs!
1. “What the World Needs Now” by college students
Students from the Berklee College of Music and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in Massachusetts recently came together to play Burt Bacharach’s hit song.
Conservatory senior Shelbie Rassler organized the event and enlisted the help of 74 of her classmates to bring us a fresh cover of the 1960s classic.
2. “Close To You” by the “couch choir”
Another Burt Bacharach love song got the “couch choir” treatment thanks to 1,000 individuals in 18 different countries. The result is incredibly moving!
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3. “Over the Rainbow” by Chino Hills
Students at Chino Hills High School in San Bernardino County, California, were disappointed when their concert was canceled, so they decided to make one of their own!
After recording their individual parts, an editor joined the clips together for a stunning performance of “Over the Rainbow” in the style of Israel KamakawiwoÊ»ole.
4. “Beautiful City” by the South Shore Children’s Chorus
These kids came together to deliver an uplifting song from “Godspell.” Later, artistic director Kristen Oberoi explained, “Choosing this moving piece with such a timeless message was something I hoped would lift all of our spirits.”
5. “West Side Story in Concert” by RMHS
Grace Anderson rallied her classmates to perform virtually after their concert in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, was canceled.
“We got to spread happiness in a way that we never thought could happen,” said choir director Caitlyn Walsh, who edited the video. “The fact that it’s gone all over is a real silver lining.”
Since we couldn't perform on stage tonight, we are sharing a taste of our "West Side Story in Concert" here! Kudos to these talented and dedicated singers for making our first virtual choir a reality! Shout out to @graceander13 for making the video! @RMFineArts @RMHSMUSTANGS pic.twitter.com/lFrcw0PSMG
— RMHS Choirs (@RMHS_Choir) March 20, 2020
6. “The Road Home” by the West Aurora Madrigals
Choir members in West Aurora, Illinois, sang “The Road Home” while keeping each other safe.
7. “We Sing”by Boston’s Children’s Chorus
8. “Down To The River” by women around the world
Tiffany Goodrick organized this virtual choir in 2017. It features 36 voices from all over the globe and serves as a wonderful reminder that music has always been a unifying force.
“Each woman had only the melody playing in her ear and then sang the part that she wanted,” Tiffany wrote on YouTube. “No music was written out. All videos were recorded using cell phones. I’m so thankful for each of these women and their willingness to make my vision a reality.”
Nothing will stop these talented performers from sharing their gifts with the world. Thank you for encouraging us through the language we all have in common!
Check out the Coronavirus Good News Dashboard for more stories of joy and hope, and share these virtual concerts to make someone smile today.
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