Harmony, well known for one of its most well-known and effective programmes, “Harmony in a World of Difference,” continues to assiduously work towards its goals of “improving race relations, raising awareness of cultural diversity, and reducing prejudice in metropolitan Kansas City.” With the goal of bridging cultures, races, and living spaces, Kansas City Harmony seeks to bring people of all ages together.
VISION
Harmony’s efforts will make the Kansas City metropolitan region a role model city that honours and respects the cultural diversity of its residents, works for a high standard of living for all, and recognises and values the individuality of each person.
MISSION Harmony works as a resource and catalyst to enhance racial harmony, foster greater understanding for cultural diversity, and end prejudice in the metropolitan Kansas City area.
Annual Thanksgiving concert by Harmony Interfaith
The only known interfaith performance in the US to have both a mass choir and demonstration choirs is the Harmony Choral Celebration performance. The concert aims to foster respect and understanding between those of various religious and cultural traditions.
Members of the mass choir exhibit respect and understanding for other choir members’ traditions by singing music that is not representative of their own religion. Additionally, choir members and audience members can strengthen their own views by learning about the similarities and differences between various traditions.
At Beth Shalom Congregation, the opening event featured a performance of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah.” The Kansas City Civic Orchestra joined forces with four choirs: Beth Shalom, Linwood United, Grace & Holy Trinity, and Country Club Christian. In 1997, more than 200 voices from more than 40 congregations and choirs joined together, reflecting the rich cultural and religious diversity of the broader Kansas City community. In 1994, more than 1,400 people attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church to hear that year’s choral celebration.
