| Keyword |
Description |
| Consortium |
A group or association of organizations working together |
| Border |
A line separating two countries, which can be both a division and a meeting point |
| Ambassador |
Someone who represents or connects groups, especially across cultures |
Bringing together two choirs from neighboring cities may sound simple, but having them separated by an international border made organizing the Tijuana Cultural Center concert for World Singing Day a real challenge. Months of planning, creativity, and teamwork were needed to unite more than 60 women from the United States and Mexico for the “Voices Without Borders” performance. The event showed that borders don’t just divide people—they can also create opportunities for unique collaboration. Every year, millions of people cross the border legally for work, school, family, or cultural events, but singing together like this was something new and special.
It all began when Daria Abreu, a Cuban-born director and founder of Tijuana’s Meraki Women’s Choir, reached out to Kathleen Hansen, who leads the San Diego Women’s Chorus. Both choirs belong to the Choral Consortium of San Diego, an umbrella group that connects more than 80 vocal groups. With help from the Mexican Consulate in San Diego and support from nonprofit organizations, they made plans to perform at the Tijuana Cultural Center on World Singing Day—a global celebration meant to bring people together through music.
On performance day, the U.S. singers woke up early to travel from different parts of San Diego, facing a tough journey across the busy border. They had to walk long distances, wait in lines, and adapt to new places. Despite these obstacles, everyone supported each other, shared food, and celebrated their differences. The Mexican hosts greeted their guests with coffee, snacks, and a traditional song, making the visitors feel welcome and appreciated. All these moments helped the women from both countries feel part of a new, united community—even just for a day.
By joining voices and overcoming challenges, the choirs proved that art and music can break down barriers and create friendship across borders. Despite language, nationality, and political tensions, the singers showed it’s possible to form powerful connections. For a few hours, everyone was part of the same choir, bringing hope for future collaborations. The event reminds us that sharing culture is a way to understand and respect one another.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| International border |
Frontera internacional |
| Different parts |
Diferentes partes |
| Future collaborations |
Colaboraciones futuras |
Time to discuss
- Why do borders sometimes bring people together as well as separate them?
- How can music help break down stereotypes and unite people from different countries?
- What are some benefits and challenges of cross-border collaborations?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Describe how you would feel attending or organizing an event like this.
- Write about a time when you connected with someone from a different culture.
