Phooey on The World Choir Games and "The City That Sings"

While the World Choir Games offers an economic boost to the City of Cincinnati as a whole, in the end it has a damaging effect on local arts organizations. The World Choir Games organization is seeking lots of money from local businesses, money that might otherwise support the existing local arts groups, which have already been having a difficult time staying afloat in the poor economy. They are also begging for volunteers to assist throughout the event.

What's worse is that the Games wants what are called "pop-up venues" for performances of visiting choirs. Any organization who wants to be a venue is expected to:

1. PAY for the transportation of the choir involved to and from the venue.
2. PAY the choir that performs there.
3. NOT charge admission.

Of course, available venues are mostly those of non-profit arts groups, who can barely keep the lights on as it is.

I think this is absolutely outrageous, and this is just one more reason why I do not support the World Choir Games in Cincinnati this summer.


Additionally, Music is ART, and the idea that it can be a competition is ridiculous. I think the entire thing is silly. How about competing for the medal in synchronized page turning?