Voices Unite festival brings choirs to San Luis Obispo County
Festival includes performances in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo
– The Cuesta Concord Chorus will present the Ann Coppenbarger Voices Unite! International Choral Festival this summer, welcoming choirs from across the county, country, and around the world for a series of free concerts in San Luis Obispo County.
The festival is scheduled to take place over three days, from Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, and includes performances at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, and local wineries in Paso Robles. The event is noncompetitive and is currently the only international choral festival of its kind in the United States.
On Aug. 15 at 8 p.m., the opening concert will be held at Mission San Luis Obispo. The concert will feature the Cuesta Concord Chorus along with guest choirs, the Coro Nacional de Puerto Rico and the Trinity Chancel Choir of Denver. The performance will begin immediately following the final set of “Concerts in the Plaza,” presented by Downtown SLO.
On Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m., the festival will present a combined choral performance of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo. The concert will be conducted by Cassandra Tarantino and performed with full orchestra, soloists, and a large community chorus. Participating groups include the Cuesta Concord Chorus, SLO Symphony, Master Chorale, Opera SLO, Central Coast Gilbert & Sullivan, Vocal Arts Ensemble, Resonance, Central Coast Youth Chorus, and other local artists. Admission is free, and general seating is available. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance at www.pacslo.org. Each guest may reserve up to four tickets.
On Aug. 17, guest choirs will perform at two Paso Robles wineries. From 1 to 3 p.m., performances will take place on the lawn at Rava Winery, located at 6785 Creston Road. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Reservations are not required, but guests may book a seated tasting by calling (805) 238-7282.
Later that afternoon, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., the festival will continue at Sculpterra Winery and Sculpture Garden, located at 5015 Linne Road. Sunday concerts at Sculpterra begin at noon, and the Cuesta Concord Chorus and guest choirs will perform starting at 3:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore the sculpture garden. Tasting or art tour reservations can be made by calling (805) 226-8881.
For more information about the Voices Unite! International Choral Festival, visit www.cuesta.edu/communityprograms/community-education/music/Cuesta-Concord-Chorus-Voices-Unite/index.html.
