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Team Haiti Wins Gold Medal at World Championships of Performing Arts

The group F.E.D and Friends composed of Frantz Eddy Daniel on piano-synthesizer from New York, James Racine on Violin from Kentucky, Jean Hevert Figaro on Violin from New Jersey, Olivier Philippe-Auguste on Viola from Canada, and Guy Adler Michel on Cello from Florida represented Haiti in the 2006 edition of the world famous competition ?World Championships of Performing Arts? which was held in Hollywood California from august 5th to august 13th. Considered the Olympic Games for artists the WCOPA is one of the best opportunities for aspiring performers around the world to perform in front of distinguished members of the industry, and its Olympic structure also gives one the chance to represent his or her country with pride. This competition was

created by Griff O?Neil former producer of events such as Miss America and Miss Universe. The competition is now in its 10th year and every time competitors from the USA and more than 50 countries around the world compete in this prestigious event. The contest has numerous categories Modeling, Acting, Vocal, Dance, Instrumental. With over 50,000 applicants applying for an invitation to attend, contestants are screened, qualified and invited through selection processes to represent a country. It is a rare opportunity for a privileged few.

After auditioning for the event earlier in the year, each member of the team prepared personally in their respective cities. F.E.D and friends then spent 2 weeks in Florida for final group rehearsals and on august 5th the group left Florida to go to Los Angeles in order to participate in the big event. F.E.D and friends participated in two categories, instrumental original work and instrumental open and they performed music composed by Frantz Eddy Daniel leader of the group.

On the 6th was the parade of nations in which delegations from all the countries were introduced to each other, the judges, and the public through the Olympic style parade. Haiti?s Red and Blue was very much present. On the 7th the team entered the official competition by performing eliminatory 1st round and the 9th they played 2nd round eliminatory. In the instrumental category Haiti had in her company countries such has Kazakstan, Russia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Guatemala, and Trinidad and Tobago. Haiti and Trinidad reached the finals and Team Haiti beat Trinidad for the championship and won the gold medal in both categories instrumental original works and instrumental Open. F.E.D and friends also received two industry awards presented by the organization for excellence in performance.

Frantz Eddy, James, Guy, Olivier, and Jean Hevert have been playing together for at least 10 years. They played together in Haiti in the Holy Trinity School of music. They won numerous music awards individually but it is their first award as a group. James Racine teaches violin in Kentucky, where he received a degree in music education and music performance. Guy Adler Michel Teaches cello in Florida were he received a degree in music from Florida International University. Olivier Philippe-Auguste is studying music at the University of Montreal. Frantz Eddy Daniel?s performances include four concerts as a soloist with The Holy Trinity Orchestra in Haiti from 2000 to 2003, FED and friends live in Florida in 2004, Night of a Thousand Stars Louisville Kentucky in 2005, and The CUNY WIDE TALENT SHOW held in New York City in which he won First place in March 2005.

F.E.D and Friends hopes to defend their World Champions title and to conquer other titles in the 2007 edition of the World Championships of Performing Arts. For information on how you can sponsor F.E.D and Friends please contact Frantz Eddy Daniel by email at frantz_daniel@yahoo.com or call 646 93 4796.

Thank you

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http://www.moun.com/articles/oct2006...2.htm?art=6288