2023 Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs Holiday Open House
Musical Performance Schedule
12:15 – 12:45 pm PPG Choir
The PPG Choir is an ensemble comprised of passionate individuals who are not only dedicated PPG employees but also retirees of PPG. With over two decades of musical camaraderie, our choir spreads the joy of the holiday season throughout the Pittsburgh region. Beyond our holiday performances, you may have caught our voices as we proudly sing the national anthem at various sporting events. Get ready to be swept away by the PPG Choir's festive spirit and musical harmony—a celebration of the holidays that transcends time and resonates with the joy of the season.
12:45 – 12:50 pm Welcome Remarks
Mr. Jeff Whitehead, Executive Director of Global Engagement, University Center for International Studies
Dr. Joseph McCarthy, Interim Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor
1:00 – 1:30 pm YFAP Young Filipinos of Pittsburgh Choir
The Young Filipino Americans of Pittsburgh is a youth group established in 1982 to provide leadership, cultural education and community service opportunities for the young Filipino American members of the FAAP (Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh). The Children’s Choir range from ages 5-13 years old.
1:45 – 2:15 pm Voces Solis A Cappella seasonal music from around Europe, Scandinavia, and the U.K.
Voces Solis, a premier chamber choir, performs a diverse repertoire of challenging and innovative choral works. Composed of professional musicians, music educators, and experienced choristers, we are committed to providing an educational experience for our members and our audiences alike. In addition to public performances, private events, recordings, and symposiums, Voces Solis also collaborates with other arts organizations to bring the highest quality choral chamber music to the Pittsburgh area.
2:15 pm – 2:30 pm St. Nicholas Arrival from the Iron Gates
2:30 - 2:40 pm Abhijeet
Abhijeet is a versatile singer from Pittsburgh who is known for his covers of Bollywood songs from the 50s to today's hits. Abhijeet is the lead singer of the band "Bollywood Tunes." He has traveled with the River City Brass Band for performances of "Bollywood and Hollywood on Brass." He studies Indian Classical music from Mrs. Nidrita Sinha.
2:45 – 3:05 pm Chinese Songs on Traditional Instruments – the Pipa and the Erhu
Mountains and Flowing Water - Theeya Chen Pipa Solo
By the Waterside - Theeya Chen and Anya Chen Erhu and Pipa Duet
Birds Singing in a Desolate Mountain - Anya Chen Erhu Solo (2:42-2:48)
Theeya Chen is a high school senior who has been playing the Pipa for five years. She has been awarded level seven from the central conservatory of music and has participated in competitions such as the Dunhuang Cup and the Singapore Starshine competitions. Theeya also enjoys art, debate, and learning Chinese.
Anya Chen is a sophomore in high school who has been playing erhu for 3 years. She has competed in competitions like Singapore Starshine and the Great Composers Competitions, The Art of Strings. She has been awarded level four from the Central Conservatory of Music. Other than erhu, Anya also plays the cello and enjoys crocheting.
3:05 – 3:30 pm Temple Sinai Choir
Members of the Temple Sinai Choir, Pittsburgh, will be singing Hanukkah favorites and other songs of joy and peace.
3:30 – 3:50 pm Mircea Lupu and the Carpathian Carolers from St. Andrew Romanian Orthodox Church
Every Christmas, groups of kids and adults are caroling door to door and receive bread, nuts and candy in exchange for their well wishes. The Carpathian Carolers will perform a few of the traditional Romanian carols and songs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
3:50 – 3:56 pm “Wonderful Indonesia” Wonderful Indonesia Pittsburgh
7 dancers of the Wonderful Indonesia Pittsburgh Chapter of Komunitas Masyarakat Indonesia di Pittsburgh (Indonesian Community of Pittsburgh) will perform "Wonderful Indonesia" which was choreographed by Indonesian artists: Sutan Martozet and Erna Widyastuti. The music was composed by Rio Silaen. The dance was performed at the World Culture Festival in Washington D.C., on September 30th. The dance and the music of the Wonderful Indonesia consist of dances and music from eight ethnic groups: Acehnese, Batak, Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese, Banjarese (Kalimantan), Minahasa, and Papuan. This dance represents the celebration of the unity of cultural diversity.
Conclusion of the Holiday Open House
Please join the Wonderful Indonesia Dance Group and the Pittsburgh Xiaobo Chinese Waist Drum Dance Group for the Poco-poco dance. Everyone in the room is welcome to celebrate the beauty of cultural diversities by joining the happy line dance. Follow the leaders, and do not worry about making wrong steps, any steps are welcome to join the joy of this delightful togetherness.
Xiaobo's Waist Drum Dance Group have performed in several states, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio and Las Vegas for international festivals, community parades, and Chinese New Year galas.
The Poco-poco dance became popular in early 1998. In the beginning, the Poco-Poco dance was only an environment known for its emotional closeness with family and relatives in Maluku. The song was composed by Arie Sapulette and sung by Yopie Latul. Since its release, it has made its way into any happy celebrations including today, to welcome the joy of Lunar New Year celebrations early next year.