Singing the planet

TV

Rita Kohn

Fine singing is the public’s perception of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. The rest of the story is revealing itself in a documentary airing on WFYI-Public TV April 20 at 8 p.m. and April 23 at 3 p.m. In Endless Song: 20 Years of Indianapolis Children’s Choir demonstrates why and how ICC has become the recognized premier children’s choir in the country.

“I hadn’t a clue,” admits Henry Leck, founder and artistic director, when asked if he foresaw the impact his 1986 venture would have. From literally a handful, ICC is celebrating its 20th anniversary with over 1,700 children and youth in 24 ensembles and programs, representing over 320 Central Indiana schools, as well as home-schoolers. Some families are in their second decade of membership, with siblings following each other.

Along with a season schedule of concerts in Indianapolis, touring has become a part of ICC’s yearly plans, ranging from Argentina to New Zealand. 2006 finds them in Greece and England, a return to Carnegie Hall, and a domestic tour to New England. ICC has released over a dozen CDs and has shared the stage with orchestras in Indianapolis and Moscow, and headliners including Canadian Brass, The Chieftains, Celine Dion and Judy Collins.

The statistics are impressive, cites Steven Stolen, ICC’s executive director, “But the real story is how the experiences the young people have raises them to the extraordinary. From infancy to age 18, artistic excellence is part of fostering self-esteem, discipline, respect, accomplishment and pride.

“Singing the planet,” Stolen adds, “is ICC’s way of learning what it means to be a good citizen in the midst of interconnecting communities.”

Voices of Youth Concerts will be held at Hilbert Circle Theatre April 22; the 4 p.m. concert features beginning level choirs, most advanced choirs and a charter school choir; the 7 p.m. concert features all of the advanced choirs and the high school group, performing with INDYKLEZ. Tickets are $9: www.icchoir.org or call 317-940-9640; $10 at the door. The ICC will perform with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir in War Requiem by Benjamin Britten April 29, 8 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St. Tickets are $5-$15; call 317-940-9057, www.indychoir.org.