Throughout Switzerland, citizens on Aug. 1 celebrated the 700th anniversary of their nation's independence.
But commemorative events weren't limited to just August. One of the major anniversary events occurred July 6, when 700 young people from throughout the world gathered in Lucerne to participate in CONCERT 700. Among those singers were more than 240 LDS youth from five European nations.The European Mormon Youth Choir was formed especially for the open-air concert in the center of Lucerne. The concert was organized by Turo Pashayan, a world renowned Swiss musician and composer, who now lives in California. He was the first European to receive the "American Spirit Award," which previously was granted to Bob Hope and Charlton Heston, among others. Pashayan composed "I - We Love You, America," written for the 100th anniversary celebration of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
"Music is to build bridges between the nations, cultures and religions of this world," the composer pointed out. "We are very happy to welcome the European Mormon Youth Choir at CONCERT 700. This choir in itself represents a bridge between five nations of Europe and, because of its American religious heritage, between Europe and the United States."
European Mormon Youth Choir members, consisting of young singers from Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, testified of their faith to an audience of more than 2,000 through the words and tune of "I Am a Child of God." The choir's concluding song was "You'll Never Walk Alone," which was highlighted by a solo part by Brian Montgomery, a Church member and professional singer who recently accepted an engagement with the New York Metropolitan Opera. He has performed in European Opera Houses during the past five years.
The European Mormon Youth Choir was directed by Sharon Hintze of the Zurich Switzerland Stake. "It has been a challenge to bring harmony and unity into a choir of this magnitude whose members speak three different languages and come from five different countries," Sister Hintze said. "I was touched by the dedication of our youth and their hard work during the three days of rehearsal just prior to the concert."
Willi Hurni was called by the Europe Area Presidency to coordinate the Church's involvement in CONCERT 700. "This was the first time," he said, "that an LDS group has ever been invited to participate and perform at an official ceremony in Switzerland. We feel very honored and acknowledge that the Church in Switzerland is being recognized as an institution that can make a major contribution to the community and the country."
Other youth groups and artists performing at CONCERT 700 came from all over the world, including the United States, the Soviet Union, China, Japan, Albania and countries in western Europe. At the conclusion of the concert they all united in a 700-voice choir singing "From Freedom to Peace on Earth," a song Pashayan composed for the event.
After the concert, Joseph B. Gildenhorn, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland, presented, on behalf of the people of the United States, bronze replicas of the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights to the people of Switzerland. Paul Baumann received the gift on behalf of the people and government of Switzerland. "The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights are the cornerstone of American democracy and society," Mr. Gildenhorn said. "The Swiss Constitution is built upon the same principles of freedom and self-determination.
Mr. Baumann responded, "The Swiss people accept these replicas with an appreciation for the contributions of the American people and the institutions to freedom and peace on this earth."
On the Sunday after CONCERT 700, members of the European Mormon Youth Choir met in a testimony meeting, which was presided over by Elder Denis Bonny, regional representative from Geneva, Switzerland. He told the young singers: "It has meant substantial sacrifices from many of you young people to be able to sing of your faith and testimony of the Lord at an official ceremony in this year of celebrating Switzerland's 700th year of independence. Your efforts have brought you great spiritual rewards and have enabled you to establish new friendships across cultural and language differences."
Attending the testimony meeting was a group of young singers from Russia, who contributed to the spirit of the meeting by singing a few traditional songs of their home land.
