Sing for America Inaugural Concert April 17, 2012

Sing for America (SFA), a new non-profit organization focused on supporting the performing arts, gives its inaugural performance at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17 at the Herbst Theater in San Francisco. The new Sing for America chorus provides amateur singers with the unparalleled opportunity to sing alongside professional vocalists and under the world-class musical direction of Brett Strader and guest conductor Ian Robertson, all while raising money for their favorite Bay Area arts organizations. In exchange for choral training and fundraising support, Sing for America members raise money through pledges to support the arts in our communities. On April 17, the Sing for America chorus will be joined by the San Francisco Boys' Chorus as well as acclaimed soloists: San Francisco Opera and New York City Opera soprano Melody Moore, Broadway star Marcus Lovett, and Michael Maguire, Tony-award winner for his role in the original Broadway cast of Les Miserables.

Similar to marathons or walk-a-thons in which entrants gather pledges, Sing for America helps people raise funds through singing. Unlike other organizations, Sing for America allows members to influence where their contributions go, with half of the total money raised by each member going directly to the organization of their choosing. The other half is distributed by Sing for America to arts organizations through grants. With all of SFA's operating expenses supported by institutional gifts, one hundred percent of contributions raised by chorus will go to support the arts.

Directed by Strader, the SFA chorus will sing Copland's Old America Songs. Guest conductor Ian Robertson, chorus master of the San Francisco Opera, will lead the ensemble in a selection of famous opera choruses, including Brindisi from "La Traviata" (Verdi), Placido e il mar from "Idomeno" (Mozart), and Va Pensiero from "Nabucco" (Verdi). The San Francisco Boys Chorus will join in signing American Hymn.

Official Website: http://www.singforamerica.org/