Kirk Franklin to write Official Song

Grammy winner performs at Opening Ceremony

The Nine-time Grammy Award winner Kirk Franklin, a nationally known Gospel music singer, will compose the Official Song of the 2012 World Choir Games. He will also perform it at the Opening Ceremony.

Franklin is an American gospel musician, choir director and singer known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs including The Family, God’s Property and One Nation Crew. Franklin is also the host and executive producer of the gospel talent show "Sunday Best," the highest-rated gospel program in BET network history.

“I’m excited to be part of such a significant global event that is drawing choirs from around the world to Cincinnati, Ohio, and to the United States,” Franklin said. “I am also excited to engage with the choirs and choral music fans as part of the 2012 World Choir Games.”

Günter Titsch, president of Germany-based INTERKULTUR, which owns and produces the World Choir Games: “Mr. Franklin is a perfect fit for our event. He will add a lot, not only to the Opening Ceremony, but to the whole competition and festival, where every single singer will play a special part. We are very proud to have one of the great American music stars so involved in the World Choir Games,”

Franklin will perform at the Opening Ceremony, scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, at U.S. Bank Arena. The Opening Ceremony is sponsored by Procter & Gamble Co., the presenting sponsor of the Games and sponsor of the Official Song. Also performing at the Opening Ceremony will be the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and May Festival Chorus.

The World Choir Games take part in the U.S. for the first time in its history. Find more about the program here.