Dubai children's choir song about human trafficking

Top Stories

Dubai childrens choir song about human trafficking
Kaye Dennis, Choir Director, Young Voices of Dubai and members of the Young Voices of Dubai during the choirs practice at the ABCD Dance Studio in Dubai on Saturday, November 28, 2015.

Dubai - Thirty students of the Young Voices of Dubai choir perform to raise awareness about human trafficking.

By Asmaalin

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Thu 3 Dec 2015, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Sat 5 Dec 2015, 7:48 AM

A children's choir in Dubai will raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking as they perform their annual concert on December 5. The children, aged between 8 and 16 years, have been practising day and night for several weekends now for the show at the Centrepoint Theatre at the Mall of the Emirates.
For 14-year-old soprano Tanya D'souza, singing is a wonderful way to express oneself. A newcomer to the Young Voices of Dubai (YVD) choir, D'souza said she has been singing since she was four years old. For her, singing is a "cathartic experience" that is a break from the monotony of daily routine.
The YVD is the result of the hard work put in by a group of parents who were looking for a choral performance platform for their children.

It's show time, folks > When: December 5, 2015
> Where: Centrepoint Theatre at the Mall of the Emirates
> Time: 5.30pm
> Ticket Prices: Dh85 (Balcony); Dh100 and Dh125 (Stalls)
> Kids below three not allowed
> Event website https://www.facebook.com/pages/Young-Voices-ofDubai
> Duration of Show: 2.5 - 3 hours
> Tickets available at www.ductac.org and the Ductac Box Office (o4-3414777)
YVD choir director Kay Dennis explained: "At the same time, we wanted children to be more sensitive to the needs of the lesser privileged, and wanted them to use their talents to contribute to the community."
One of the younger singers in the group, 10-year-old Keya Anna Marie of St Mary's School, said: "Singing is also a great way to raise awareness about issues like human trafficking."
Speaking about why the parents decided to use human trafficking as a subject this year, Dennis said: "Many of the YVD members have been residing in the UAE for nearly 10 to 15 years. While our children are growing up in a modern Dubai, the pace of life seems so hectic. As this year unfolded, there was a growing international situation that seemed to bring to light the effects of war, strife and natural calamities.
"When I addressed the issue to the choir, I was shocked to learn that many of the older children were not familiar with even the issue of slavery and human trafficking. Also, these teenagers are set to soon leave their safe havens in Dubai and set out independently into societies abroad, where awareness is everything."
To raise awareness on the issue, a representative from the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children will be present at the concert. The representative will make a presentation at the start of the concert which will address the work the organisation does and how everyone can help.
"This will be followed by a special song (Slavery by First Love) which will be performed by ... (some) YVD members," said Dennis.
This year, the choir has selected popular folk songs from around the world, including Kalinka (Russia), Alouette (France), O Sifuni Mungu (Africa), Ma Bella Bimba (Italy) and songs by The Beatles.
"To conclude the concert, we will present a finale song, 'Feliz Navidad', which will feature the entire cast on stage (nearly 120 children). The children have learnt songs in many foreign languages."
Another parent, Maria Menezes, said one of the reasons the YVD was launched was so that children got the opportunity to perform outside their schools and comfort zones. "Also so that their talent reaches a much wider audience ... With this concert, it is going to reach 500 plus people."
Students participating in the choir said they are "very excited" about the upcoming performance. Archita Bhatia (12) of St Marys School said: "Singing gives you a lot of confidence and you forget all about stage fright."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

Kaye Dennis, Choir Director, Young Voices of Dubai and members of the Young Voices of Dubai during the choirs practice at the ABCD Dance Studio in Dubai on Saturday, November 28, 2015. Photo by Dhes Handumon
Kaye Dennis, Choir Director, Young Voices of Dubai and members of the Young Voices of Dubai during the choirs practice at the ABCD Dance Studio in Dubai on Saturday, November 28, 2015. Photo by Dhes Handumon

More news from