On a cloudy and wet morning on August 23 an international team of six runners from U.S.A., Latvia, Ukraine and Moldova visited the New York City Housing Authority Youth Chorus in Harlem, New York City.

Larry Matthew, the Chorus Director, has kindly arranged for the children to sing for the World Harmony Run at most of our events in New York City August, 2005. Larry wanted the children to spend more time with the runners and get a better understanding of how the WHR works here in the US and around the world. Visiting them in their own place made it that much more enjoyable for them as we were able to show them some short videos of the WHR in many countries.

We gave them a presentation that we typically would give to schools and other organizations as we run around the country. In this familiar and intimate setting we were able to spend a few hours with them as we answered questions, sang songs for them and with them, and even were entertained by a short and beautiful performance of their singers as well.

Before leaving we all went out in the drizzling rain and took turns carrying the Torch down the block and back.

Even some of the children’s parents joined it as it was a wonderful way to share the spirit of the WHR with such a special group of children and adults who bring harmony into this world quite powerfully and meaningfully through their own musical harmonies.

Larry and other employees there were very kind to us, even feeding us a delicious lunch. Larry recalled the times when he met with the founder of the WHR, Sri Chinmoy, and was honored by him.

He received a medal many years ago by Sri Chinmoy and brought it out to proudly share with all of us. He and his Youth Chorus and all those involved in this wonderful music school have truly been a blessing to all the people who are fortunate enough to enjoy their creative talents and harmonious rhythms.

We do hope to have a never ending relationship with the NYCHA Youth Chorus as we all try to spread the message and beauty of harmony throughout this city and the rest of the world.

– Arpan

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