Renowned choral director Rafe Wadleigh to lead 2,018-member vocal ensemble

SEATTLE – March 2, 2018 – The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games unveiled today one of the entertainment elements of its upcoming Opening Ceremony on Sunday, July 1: a 2,018-member choir. Choral groups of all sizes from across the Pacific Northwest are invited to lend their voices to what will be one of the largest vocal ensembles ever assembled in Washington State.

The Opening Ceremony for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will take place at Husky Stadium and celebrates the official start of six days of competition and events across Puget Sound. From July 1-6, more than 4,000 Special Olympics athletes, coaches and delegates representing every state in the U.S. and the District of Columbia will vie for medals in 14 individual and team sports.

The 2,018-member vocal ensemble will be led by choral director Rafe Wadleigh. Known for his musical versatility and strong command of both academic and popular music styles, Wadleigh is the director of choral music for the Middle and Upper Schools at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma. He also serves as chair of the school’s performing arts department. Wadleigh has more than 20 years of experience directing choral ensembles, building music programs and performing.