Musical Heavyweights Back New Anti-Bullying Initiative

LOS ANGELES, May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadenza Artists, an artist management company, launched a social mission, "Voices Against Bullying," with support from Plácido Domingo, the San Francisco Opera and other musical leaders, that will use music to bring awareness to the prevalence of bullying, and inspire and support high school students who have been bullied.

PureLand Headlines "Artists Against Bullying" Pacific Tour Kickoff

PureLand, a musical duo comprised of mezzo-soprano Laurie Rubin and pianist and composer Jenny Taira kick off the West Coast tour of high schools this month in Los Angeles, with future dates in San Diego and Hawaii. Rubin was born blind and endured bullying as a youth. 

Anti-Bullying Music Video Inspires Voices Against Bullying Initiative

In April, Rubin and Taira collaborated on an anti-bullying music video. Filmed in Hawaii, "The Girl I Am," video depicts the traumatic effects of bullying and encourages kids to stand strong for who they are.

"We are creating an important outlet to help inspire others who have been bullied to feel good about expressing themselves through music," Rubin and Taira said. "We always tell teens that when something in their lives is painful, they should turn it into beautiful art, and in doing so, they realize that they are not alone." 

Voices Against Bullying encourages both artists and the general public to stand up against bullying at VoicesAgainstBullying.com. Artists can also submit videos or audio recordings dedicated to standing up against bullying.

What Artists and Organizations Are Saying…

"I have dedicated my life to music, which is something intended to bring us all together in powerful, shared experiences. Sadly, bullying has increasingly become an issue that brings isolation and despair into the lives of young people today. It is heartbreaking, too, for parents to see their beautiful children suffer. We must all raise our voices to stop bullying whenever we can, and encourage its victims to stay strong and positive. I can promise them: even if you don't know where to turn, you are not alone."
-- Plácido Domingo, singer, conductor and General Director of the Los Angeles Opera

"Voices Against Bullying is an innovative and powerful solution to answer to the prevalence of bullying in middle and high schools by helping students connect with their artistic and creative power. We at the San Francisco Opera are proud to join Cadenza Artists in supporting this important initiative."
-- Sheri Greenawald, Director of the San Francisco Opera Center

"I was bullied as a child and struggled with the challenges that presented in my life. My music remained as the one constant through which I could express myself and the experiences I was facing.  Music can literally have a life saving impact on kids in their formative stages. Voices Against Bullying is bringing that message to light."
-- Dr. Aaron P. Dworkin, Founder & President of The Sphinx Organization and Member of The National Council on the Arts

"As an organization, APAP is fully supportive of using the performing arts as a powerful medium to address critical issues, such as bullying, in our society and in our communities."
-- Mario Garcia Durham, President and CEO of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters

"The Declaration of Independence protects our life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Bullies stand in the way of these unalienable rights, and the imbalance of social, physical, and emotional power over one another detract from the wonderful world in which we live. I am pleased to raise my voice as part of Voices Against Bullying, and to support this important initiative."
-- Heidi Duckler, Artistic Director and Founder of Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre

About the Voices Against Bullying Initiative

The Voices Against Bullying initiative came together as a result of several artists who suffered bullying in their own lives and wanted to provide inspiration and support to young people who are struggling with bullying.  

Voices Against Bullying Supporting Organizations:

• Cadenza Artists, a Los Angeles-based artist management company, underwrites and organizes the Voices Against Bullying initiative.
• Los Angeles Opera, in its 28th season and one of America's most exciting and ambitious opera companies, supports Voices Against Bullying's mission.
• San Francisco Opera, one of the world's leading producers for the lyric theater stage, supports Voices Against Bullying's mission.
• Next Generation Startups, a new venture that showcases and celebrates young companies and their founders, provides web and marketing support for Voices Against Bullying.

For more information about the tour, please visit VoicesAgainstBullying.com. 

About Cadenza Artists

Cadenza Artists, founded in 2010, is a Los Angeles-based talent agency representing innovative performing artists in a range of genres.

CONTACT:
Julia Torgovitskaya
(310) 896 – 8527
[email protected]

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SOURCE Cadenza Artists