Kurn Hattin Select Choir Chosen To Perform in Live Showcase Finale of WGBY-TV Choral Competition Series, “Together in Song” on Sunday, April 28

The Kurn Hattin Homes Select Choir has been chosen as one of nine regional choruses to appear on the finale of the WGBY public television choral competition series, “Together in Song” on Sunday, April 28. After reviewing the performances of 36 adult and children’s choirs in various categories over four weeks, the judges announced their final selections April 16th.

The 40-member ensemble from Kurn Hattin was selected for their competition entry in the children’s gospel category. “Together in Song”, now in its third season, is produced and aired by Public Television member station WGBY in Western New England. The children will perform live on stage at the season finale showcase on Sunday, April 28 at 7PM  at the Paramount Theater, 1700 Main Street, in Springfield, MA. The showcase performance will be broadcast live on WGBY.

The Kurn Hattin Select Choir, directed by Lisa Bianconi, is the first Vermont chorus selected to compete in the “Together in Song” series, which highlights non-professional children’s and adults’ choirs in various musical genres. The children taped their performance at WGBY’s studios in early February, and their selections aired on the show’s season premiere on March 23. The 36 groups competed in nine categories according to age and musical genre. Kurn Hattin’s selection as a Showcase Performer was determined by a combination of judges’ scores and
audience votes.

Bianconi, Kurn Hattin’s music director since 1985, said, “This year in particular has been an amazing adventure for our students.” Last fall, the choir performed on stage with Grammy-winning fiddler Natalie MacMaster at the Bellows Falls, VT Opera House. Earlier this month, Kurn Hattin’s best-known musical alumnus, jazz trombonist Dick Nash, returned to the campus to mentor students and share his talents in the school’s Annual Jazz Invitational, which included performances by some of the most talented jazz ensembles in northern New England.

The live “Together in Song” showcase performance, hosted by Springfield Symphony Orchestra maestro Kevin Rhodes, will feature the nine selected ensembles, each representing one competition category. For further
information on Together in Song and broadcast venues, visit togetherinsong.wgby.org.

Tickets for the Together in Song Showcase live are priced $50 for cafe patron seating, $20 for general admission, and $5 for children ages 12 and under. For ticket information: 413-781-2801 or togetherinsong.wgby.org.

WGBY, Public Television for Western New England is a community-supported public broadcasting organization affiliated with PBS. For information on WGBY’s programs and services: wgby.org.

A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. For more information, visit kurnhattin.org.