First Parish ‘Church, 425 Congress Street, will host a free concert on Thursday, May 2nd at 5:30 pm. The Pihcintu Multi-national chorus will present a concert and CD release celebration at this event, “One Journey, Many Roads.” This Portland-based chorus has thirty-four Portland students from over twenty-one countries. It will welcome over fifty members of the Chicago Children’s Choir (CCC) to the public concert.

Welcoming students from the “windy city,” furthers Pihcintu’s collective mission to promote sisterhood and brotherhood among Americans in challenging times of cultural acceptance and tolerance.

“The power of music and building relationships through the arts is at the heart of Creative Portland’s mission and Director Con Fullam’s work with Pihcintu is an extraordinary gift to Portland,” said Dinah Minot, executive director of Creative Portland, in a press release issued last week by her office.

There will be a photo opportunity with all eighty-six singers from Pihcintu and CCC on the front steps of city hall with Mayor Ethan Strimling immediately before the concert at 5:00 pm.

Pihcintu, a Passamaguoddy word meaning “when she sings her voice carries far” welcomes immigrant children from around the globe, many have experienced devastating realities. Portland, an ever-expanding international resettlement community is fertile ground for bringing together children from diverse backgrounds to sing as one The chorus was created in 2005. It has performed on NBC’s Today Show, at the United Nations, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Cathedral and among other places.

For more information, please call Emily Southland, program assistant at Creative Portland at 207 – 370-4784.