Group representing several countries entertains at NRCC

These youths practice six days a week, six hours per day, for three weeks. Then, they take these songs of peace, love, and respect into neighboring communities in a joyous celebration of cultural unity, delighting their audiences along the way.

"I just had to come," said Marilyn Gerdts, NRCC volunteer. "I think it’s great, and wonderful for the residents."

"It's wonderful," said Karen Kruse, New Richland Representative for the Waseca Arts Council. "It’s great to see the kids from other countries; it’s appropriate."

The lessons learned during these six weeks are profound, stories inspirational, with friendships everlasting. Songs of Hope is a transformational experience.

"You’re not the only one, it's not about you," said Hannah Ross of St. Paul. Ross joined the Songs of Hope organization six years ago, at the age of 11. Ross was a member of the group three years prior to becoming a staff member.

Saint Paul residents Jeanne Junge and Tom Surprenant started Sounds of Hope, Ltd. in 1991. Each had traveled extensively. Their positive experiences of living in other countries among people of other cultures inspired them to create the Songs of Hope project.

The original Songs of Hope project was conceived as a one-time event. However, the children who came from six different countries stunned audiences with their energy, enthusiasm, joy and hopeful messages. People began requesting more concerts. 

With overwhelming response, Junge and Surprenant decided to reorganize Sounds of Hope, Ltd. as an ongoing nonprofit arts organization. They received assistance from many people and organizations. Each equally committed to promoting cultural tolerance and understanding.

Since 1994, Songs of Hope has become an annual event, reaching thousands each summer. Now, 21 years later, the Songs of Hope project is bigger, better organized, and and has more concerts scheduled. The New Richland Care Center performance was the last stop of a nine-day tour.

Year after year, the tour returns to familiar venues, invited back by enthusiastic community sponsors while playing to new audiences each year. 2011 Songs of Hope sponsors were: Waseca Arts Council, Gary Strenge Tax Service, New Richland One Stop Gas and Grocery, New Richland Drug, Main Street Dental, Friedrich-Bonnerup Funeral Home and the Star Eagle.