Saturday, June 16th – Nobel Event – Keystone State Boychoir

We arrived at Roa Church in the northwest suburbs of Olso early Saturday afternoon and rehearsed Frank’s “Da Pacem Domine” and Mendelssohn’s “Verleih uns Frieden.”(Both mean “Grant Us Peace”) The first sound of the combined choirs of Keystone State Boychoir and Sølvguttene, we gave everyone chills. This is the power of not just music, but of strangers coming together and making that music. The sum is so much greater than the parts. And there were many parts – about 175 singers! We then rehearsed our joint numbers for the evening concert, and then it was a mad, chaotic dash to the event. Picture a procession of cars filled with green jackets and white sailor suits snaking it way to City Hall.

Upon arriving at the event, we were ushered back stage to a VIP holding space. Hurry up and wait – a way of life on tour. Sound check. More waiting. And then we got the signal to assemble on stage. Before we knew it Aung San Suu Kyi was just feet from us, flanked by the Crowned Prince of Norway and members of the Nobel Peace Prize committee. I had a unique perspective, as I was able to watch Aung San Suu Kyi from a very close range. When the tenors and basses began to sing the first verse, the Honoree became quite attentive listening and watching with a serious gaze. But when the second verse began with the sound of angelic trebles (yes, your boys), she broke out into the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. That is the power of the unchanged boy’s voice.

When the song ended, the boys marched off stage past the woman of the hour. After the last KSB boy left the stage, one of our boys approached Aung San Suu Kyi and presented to her an official Liberty Bell from the City of Philadelphia. See video. It was a definitely “a tour moment” to remember. How amazing. To be in Olso, Norway and take part in an event that embodies the country of Norway. This is the kind experience of which college essays are made!

Jaleel presenting Aung San Suu Kyi with a Liberty Bell