How Cincinnati got the Games

By Janelle Gelfand • jgelfand(a)enquirer.com • October 20,
2010

Cincinnati was chosen over 20 competing cities to be the first
North American host city for the 2012 World Choir Games, the
world’s largest amateur choir competition, because of its variety
of venues, its longstanding choral tradition and, just as
importantly, its welcoming atmosphere, said Günter Titsch,
president of Interkultur, the Germany-based nonprofit that produces
the games.

The late Cincinnati Pops conductor Erich Kunzel, who
campaigned to win the honor for Cincinnati, was influential in
their decision, Titsch said on Wednesday.

“He was one of the artistic directors at the beginning of this
process, at the time when no one knew of his sickness,” said
Titsch. “We are trying to honor him in some way in the games and
leading up to the games, to make sure that the role he has played
will be honored.”

Kunzel died of cancer in September 2009, less than three months
after he helped announce Cincinnati’s selection as host city.

It is nearly two years away, but local and international
organizers are bracing for what is to be the largest convention
ever in the history of the region. Titsch and a delegation from
Interkultur have been in Cincinnati this week to meet with
officials, take a walking tour of downtown and to visit potential
venues for the Olympic-sized choral competition. It will take place
July 4-14, 2012.