Summary
Sing Joy-Voices of Hope, January 16-24, 2008
Isker Boys Choir from Almaty, Kazakhstan Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, Tucson AZ

Sing Joy-Voices of Hope, a project of the Tucson-Almaty Sister Cities Committee (TASCC), in
collaboration with the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, brought the 28 members and its seven staff
members of the Isker Boys Choir from Almaty, Kazakhstan, for performances in Tucson,
Flagstaff, on the floor of the Senate in Phoenix, and in Sierra Vista.

The choir, directed by Larissa Dimurina, a professionally trained musician and conductor,
presented its music in both colorful and in more formal dress at Agua Caliente Elementary
School, in Tucson, at Cholla High Magnet School, in Tucson and at Pueblo del Sol Elementary
School in Sierra Vista. At each of those schools over 300 students and faculty heard and cheered
the well-trained ensemble, which presented a repertoire of diversity for just such a tour, one
piece from West Side Story, the huapango, America, especially enjoyed. At each of these
schools, the skill of the ensemble was quickly recognized as the audiences sat in excellent
attention.

In addition to the school performances, Isker Boys Choir presented a stellar joint performance
with the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, each ensemble doing a complete half then merging for a
rousing finish to an estimated audience of 700. In Flagstaff, hosted by Flagstaff Sister Cities, the
choir performed for 200 at the Coconino Center for the Arts, and in Sierra Vista, hosted by the
Cochise Childrens Chorus families, for nearly 350 in an overcapacity crowd. At the short
performance in colorful costume on the floor of the Senate, hosted by Senate president,
Congressman Tim Bee, the choir sang to a full senate, members of TASCC, as well as to Isker
parents in the gallery, the solid support group of Isker Boys Choir. The parent group was most
important for the tour, helping the young singers with costumes, sniffles, and promptness,
meeting the demanding schedule.

Home-hosting involved 66 individuals. It was a key part of the tour because it put a friendly
and caring face back to America. Often throughout the tour and especially at departure, the parents expressed
their safe feelings, as they thanked the committee and hosts for such warmth, care, and many
smiles.

Barbara Chinworth,
Chair Person of
Tucson-Almaty Sister Cities Committee