VOENA
"Voices of Peace"

VOENA presents the "Voices of Peace" concert, celebrating the joyous sounds of hope where favorites such as "The Prayer" and "Over the Rainbow" are originally performed in a splash of color. This is a rare opportunity to see this well known children's choir.

Presented in a style Annabelle calls, "physical singing," VOENA closes their spring 2008 concert season in Benicia after an astounding spring season of sold out concerts and standing ovations. VOENA, representing up to 35 cultures, with 100+ voices ranging in age from 5 to 18, achieves rich and inventive a cappella vocal arrangements by using multiple percussion instruments, dance, and theatrical elements. VOENA will take you on a magical journey celebrating the many cultures around the world and recognizing that the true spirit of the unity is understood in any language.

While the VOENA story is remarkable enough - the talent, passion and vision of Founder and Director Annabelle Marie is truly extraordinary. In 1994, a friend suggested that VOENA choir director Annabelle Marie involve her two children in a concert she was preparing at Cal State Hayward. Inspired by the suggestion, she decided to "involve a lot of kids." She advertised a free children's concert and held auditions at area schools and throughout the city. The event was successful and parents were so enthusiastic, that Annabelle agreed to continue the choir, which has grown steadily - a testament to her dedication, the quality of the music, and the ongoing commitment of the children and parents.

Director Annabelle Marie was recently honored with the prestigious Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Local Community from KPIX Channel 5's Barbara Rodgers. Annabelle Marie was for teaching children to strive for excellence and to find harmony in diversity through music. Most of the children join VOENA without any previous choir experience. There are no auditions; if the child has the desire to be in the choir, he or she is accepted. Anna Marie says the "Any child with the commitment and desire to sing can be in VOENA." There are four divisions within the choir: preparatory, intermediate, concert and concert ensemble.

"If Bobby McFerrin were to have a world music choir, VOENA is what it would sound like!" Eric Symons - North Bay Entertainment

"If the world had the heart and the courage to see you and hear you, we would be different -- we would be changed. You are exactly what the world needs. In your innocence, and in your youth and talent, you can teach us so much." Dr. Maya Angelou

"Wonderful... angelic... all so talented!"
Hillary Clinton, Former First Lady

"VOENA is refreshing and not to be missed!"
Jennifer Asche, San Francisco Chronicle

"VOENA is a party I neverwant to leave!"
Richard Freedman, Vallejo Times Herald



KPIX JEFFERSON AWARD VIDEO: http://cbs5.com/jeffersonawards/Jefferson.Awards.Marie.2.718100.html

About VOENA

VOENA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing musical education for children from all ethnic and economic backgrounds. Boys and girls from ages five to eighteen tour the world as goodwill ambassadors with their a cappella repertoire of multi-lingual choral arrangements, choreography, dance and percussion. Their global diversity transcends ethnic boundaries and crosses all borders.
 

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