From Russia to Africa and China to Venezuela, for more than a decade choirs from around the world have gathered to promote global harmony, through the power of song.
Fifteen thousand singers, part of 362 choirs, from 64 countries all around the world, have descended upon Cincinnati this week for the Olympic-size singing competition, the World Choir Games. But, the event is more than just shiny hardware.
"Everyone's welcoming. If they see someone different they don't look at them funny" says Voices of Unity member Briana Alvarez.
Voices of Unity members, including Alvarez, tell me the theme of the games quite literally is harmony; to sing among nations and experience different cultures.
"It sets you at a level...that you learn different cultures...the way people are and you see how people are and you see how people learn other cultures and they ask about our culture" Alvarez says.
This is Voices of Unity's second World Choir Games appearance. They took part two years ago in China and took home two gold medals and a Grand Champion trophy.
"Our standards are already set high and everyone is looking forward to meeting us and they want to see who we are" says Alvarez.
The group snagged a gold medal Saturday in the Pop Choral Music category, and tonight took the stage to defend their Grand Champion title in the Gospel Music category.
"We've been working really hard and that we're disciplined and focused and ready to be world champions" Alvarez tells WFFT.
