2012 marks a special anniversary for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The organizers of this event have contacted Senator Al Franken’s office to spread the word that they are looking for at least one instrumental and one vocal ensemble from each of the 50 states to perform in various venues throughout the nation’s capital during the festival.
2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the City of Washington honoring the friendship between the United States and Japan. To honor this anniversary, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is planning a five-week, city-wide Festival from March 20-April 27 – an unprecedented tribute to the Festival’s history, complemented by world-class events.
The organizers of this Festival are looking for outstanding choirs or instrumental ensembles (orchestras, symphonic or marching bands) from each of the 50 states.
These performers can be from a variety of levels, including but not limited to, youth, university, community and professional groups. Ensembles will perform at least 2-3 times in venues associated with the Festival during a 3-4 day period.
If a group is interested in pursuing this opportunity, please contact Katherine Blauvelt in Sen. Franken’s Saint Paul Office as soon as possible but no later than September 8, 2011. She can be reached at katherine_blauvelt@franken.senate.gov.