Acclaimed performers set to entertain at convention

 

 

Entertainment for the plenary sessions will be a dazzling contrast of talent as East meets West. The Little Angels (top) and The Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards (bottom) will perform during the opening plenary. Photos courtesy of the 2009 Birmingham Host Organizing Committee and Dougie Squires

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In celebration of Korean and British cultures, Rotarians and their families will experience world-renowned entertainment from both countries at the 2009 RI Convention in Birmingham, England, this month.

From world-class vocalists to amazing dance troupes, the entertainment for the plenary sessions will be a dazzling contrast of talent as East meets West.

The opening plenary session on Sunday, 21 June, will include a performance by the internationally acclaimed Korean folk ballet group, the Little Angels. The New York Times describes the group as a "phenomenal company. There are few other folk companies that could match the flawless professionalism of the Little Angels."

Known for their stunning performances, the Little Angels have spread traditional Korean arts throughout the world and undertaken the mission of peace and goodwill.

More entertainment highlights:

Opening plenary session -- Sunday, 21 June

• City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus . Formed in 1994, the group is now one of the country's leading youth choirs.
• Conventry Morris Men . Founded in 1931, the team is one of the oldest dance troupes in the United Kingdom. The group's performances follow the tradition of morris dancing, with bells on the legs and handkerchiefs or sticks in the hands.
• Jeon Seung Hyun . As a world-class opera singer, Hyun is a member of the Stuttgart State Opera in Germany and has performed in Austria, Denmark, and Spain. In 2008, he was invited to perform as a soloist in Beethoven's Ninth Choral Symphony in Tokyo.
• The Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards . Originally formed as a military regiment in 1650 by General George Monck, the troops officially became an instrumental band in 1785. Since 1945, the band has performed to international acclaim.
• Ji Hye Son . Born in Seoul, Korea, Son received her rigorous musical training from institutions including Seoul National University, the Conservatory of Milan, and the Renata Scotto Opera Studio at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, New York, USA. A soprano, Son has starred in opera classics including La sonnambula , La bohème , and Don Giovanni .  
• Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain . Formed in 1983, this group has been recognized by national organizations such as the United Kingdom Sports Council. 

Closing plenary session -- Wednesday, 24 June

• Robert Meadmore. Recognized as one of the United Kingdom's finest musical theater artists, Meadmore has starred in many of London's West End hit shows, including Phantom of the Opera, Brigadoon , My Fair Lady , and Camelot .
• Liz Robertson. As a musical theater artist, Robertson has appeared in several West End productions, including A Little Light Music and Side by Side with Sondheim. She received an award from the South Florida Entertainment Writers Association for her performance in The King and I .
• Treorchy Male Choir. Under the direction of John Haydn Davies, the Treorchy Male Choir has been heard worldwide through radio broadcasts, television appearances, commercial recordings, and two films. The group has recorded with Queen and Bob Marley.