Global Choral Traditions is a live, in-depth and interactive exploration of choral music from around the world. From the United States to Bulgaria to South Africa, participants will travel the planet virtually with engaging experts and culture-bearers who teach what makes each style unique, as well as the elements they share as one of the oldest and most ubiquitous human artforms - choral music. At a time when a global pandemic and advanced technology have made our world even smaller, Global Choral Traditions gives music lovers a way to engage with that which makes us more human, and therefore, more connected to each other.

This new virtual series begins January 2021 and includes four monthly episodes with teaching artists from these cultural traditions:

Wed, Jan. 13 (7:30pm EST): Lonnie Norwood, Gospel Music

Wed, Feb. 3 (7:30pm EST): Suzannah Park, Music of Appalachia

Wed, Mar. 3 (7:30pm EST): Elitsa Stoyneva Krastev, Bulgarian Folk Singing

Sat, Apr. 10 (11am EST): Bongani Magatyana, Traditional South African Music

Global Choral Traditions is hosted by the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and the Oratorio Society of Minnesota in collaboration with Village Harmony, a nonprofit organization with activities around the world welcoming singers of all colors, creeds, ethnicities, nationalities, gender orientations & socio-economic backgrounds. Since 1988, Village Harmony has developed a strong international presence through its many study/performance programs, professional recordings, and innovative online learning opportunities.

The series is free and open to the public.