Composer Imant Raminsh's lyrical melodies and lush harmonic textures combined with the skilled, expressive singing of the GECC create a powerful musical partnership in this unique choral opera based on Hans Christian Andersen's tale of the same name.

Formerly the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus, 100-strong mixed-voice children's chorus Anima, Young Singers of Greater Chicago traveled to South Africa in July of 2007. Most of the performances here are recorded from their final concert, shared with the Pro Cantu Youth Choir, directed by Leon Starker, in the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, Cape Town. There are 12 tracks here, favorites are the traditional Xhosa songs 'Ithemba Iami' and 'Bawo Thixo Somandla;' traditional Zulu songs 'Nginesi ponono,' 'Senzenina' and 'Unonkala;' traditional American 'Shenandoah,' Elizabeth Alexander's joyous 'Faith is the Bird that Feels the Light,' traditional South African 'African Celebration,' Paul Halley's 'Untraveled Worlds' and George Jackson & Tom Jones III's rollicking 'Old Time Rock 'n Roll.' A rhythmic, high-energy remembrance of Anima's amazing musical journey!