2004 programs and events

American Singer Star Attraction at Belarusian Music Festival

American vocalist CoCo York, of Strong, Arkansas, was among the most popular entertainers at the 12th International Festival of Spiritual Music, "God Almighty," in Mogilev, Belarus, May 26-27. Accompanied by the renowned Belarusian jazz pianist Arkady Eskin, Ms. York charmed audiences with rousing renditions of some of America's best-known spiritual and religious music, including "Glory, Glory" and "Amazing Grace." U.S. Ambassador George Krol, Belarusian officials, and ambassadors representing nations in the region were among the guests at the opening concert of the festival that featured vocalists from Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Russia, and other countries. On the following day, Ms. York sang at two additional concerts in Mogilev, performing before standing-room-only audiences. During her visit to Belarus, Ms. York conducted master classes at the Belarusian State University of Culture and the Music College affiliated with the Academy of Music in Minsk. She also sang at a reception in Minsk sponsored by the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section; guests included leading figures in the Belarusian music and arts communities.