By Honorary Reporter Khushi Yadav from India
Photos = Young People's Chorus

The Young People's Chorus (YPC) of New York won three gold medals at this year's World Choir Games in Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province.

The YPC's founder and artistic director Francisco J. Nunez was named Musical America's Educator of the Year in 2018. In an written interview on Aug. 11, he described his leadership of the choir and their memorable experience in Korea. 

Francisco J. Nunez is the founder and artistic director of the New York-based Young People's Chorus.

Briefly introduce yourself.
I grew up in a close-knit Dominican family in New York's Washington Heights, often practicing the piano at home. After graduating from New York University with a degree in piano performance, I decided to form the YPC. My mission was to make music an equalizer that can bring together children from different backgrounds.

The YPC performs at this year's World Choir Games in Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province.

What was it like participating in this year's World Choir Games in Gangneung?
The YPC began preparing for the World Choir Games a year before the event. We took 100 members on this trip, so they had to prepare mentally, physically and spiritually. We learned about Korean culture at the Korean Consulate-General in New York. Because our choir has many members of Korean descent, they were excited to learn about their motherland's culture. We had intense rehearsals leading up to the competition, and the hardest part of preparation was choosing the right songs.

What sets your choir group apart from others?
I think that the one thing that distinguishes the YPC is that our members come from a multicultural society in the U.S. Our diversity results in new vocal colors and a confident urban style, creating not only a vibrant and new choral sound but also a platform where children can make new friends from different backgrounds. 

The YPC learns to play a traditional Korean drum while visiting Korea for this year's 2023 World Choir Games in Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province.

What impression did the YPC make in Korea while competing in this year's event?
Our members were nervous about how they'd be seen on the world stage as a multicultural choir. Fortunately, the World Choir Games thought highly of their performances so they're proud of themselves and their diverse backgrounds.

What is your goal for the choir beyond the World Choir Games?
I want to continue developing the choir musically and devise a better program on training a multicultural choir. Moreover, I want to train teachers to go into their communities and show the message of inclusivity through music.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.