Press Kit
Sing for Hope
Sing for Hope harnesses the power of the arts to create a better world. Our creative programs bring hope, healing, and connection to millions of people in hospitals, schools, care facilities, refugee camps, transit hubs, and community spaces worldwide. A non-profit organization founded in New York City in response to the events of 9/11, Sing for Hope partners with hundreds of community-based organizations, mobilizes thousands of artists in creative service, and produces artist-created Sing for Hope Pianos across the U.S. and around the world. The official Cultural Partner of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Sing for Hope champions art for all because we believe the arts have an unmatched capacity to uplift, unite, and heal.
Tagline
Creating a better world through the arts.
Our Mission
Sing for Hope harnesses the power of the arts to create a better world.
Organizational History
A women-led organization, Sing for Hope was founded by Juilliard sopranos Camille Zamora and Monica Yunus in response to the events of 9/11. Juilliard shares its city block with a firehouse that was a first responder that day, losing twelve of their men. That afternoon, Zamora and Yunus organized fellow students to share hope through music for the surviving firefighters and their families. In the months and years that followed, they continued to reach out across the city to share soothing music and art with communities in need, growing their ranks from dozens of artists to thousands. In 2010, as a symbol of celebration of art for all, they launched New York City's Sing for Hope Pianos, now one of the country's largest annually recurring public arts projects.
Today, Sing for Hope is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the power of the arts to create a better world.
Leadership
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Camille Zamora
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director
Raised in Texas and Mexico, Camille Zamora is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Sing for Hope. An internationally acclaimed soprano, she has appeared with collaborators ranging from Yo-Yo Ma to Sting, ensembles including London Symphony Orchestra and Glimmerglass Opera, and live broadcasts on NPR and BBC. Camille has been recognized by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, received a 100 Hispanic Women Community Pride Award, and been named NY1's "New Yorker of the Week," one of the "Top 50 Americans in Philanthropy" by Town & Country, and one of CNN's "Most Intriguing People." She has been the Housewright Eminent Artist-Scholar in Residence at Florida State University, the inaugural Reflexions Artist in Residence at University of Arkansas, and given masterclasses and guest lectures at Juilliard, Harvard, NYU, Claremont Graduate University, and others. A graduate of The Juilliard School and a leading voice in the "artist as citizen" discussion, Camille has performed and spoken at Skoll World Forum for Social Entrepreneurship, The World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, Aspen Ideas Festival, and The United Nations.
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Monica Yunus
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director
Born in Chittagong, Bangladesh and raised in New Jersey, Monica Yunus is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Sing for Hope. Monica has performed with the world's leading opera companies, including Washington National Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, and The Metropolitan Opera, where she spent ten seasons as a principal artist. She has performed in concert and recital in Spain, Guatemala, Bangkok, and Lebanon's Zouk Festival. Monica has been honored with a 21st Century Leaders Award and named a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, a "New Yorker of the Week" by NY1, and one of the "Top 50 Americans in Philanthropy" by Town & Country. A leading voice in the "artist as citizen" discussion, she has performed and spoken at Skoll World Forum for Social Entrepreneurship, The World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, Aspen Ideas Festival, and The United Nations. She is an Artist Lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University, and has been the Housewright Eminent Artist-Scholar in Residence at Florida State University and the inaugural Reflexions Artist in Residence at University of Arkansas. The daughter of Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus, Monica is a graduate of The Juilliard School.
Media Highlights
- NYC Health + Hospitals receives six Sing for Hope pianos designed by artists — NYC Health + Hospitals
- Union Station hosts January Jazz Jam, a D.C. music event — The Washington Informer
- Sing for Hope Hand in Harmony Youth Chorus opens 2025 UN General Assembly with musical performance — Gene Online
- Musical performances at vaccination site help New Yorkers and struggling artists — CNN
- Shots, and a musical serenade, at NYC vaccination center — The Associated Press
- Music of the Streets: New York City public pianos bring joy through Sing for Hope — CBS News
- Play time: Public pianos — CBS Sunday Morning (YouTube)
- Sing for Hope lifts spirits through gift of music — NBC News
- Street pianos bring summer music to New York — The Wall Street Journal
- Pianos as Public Art, and the Public's Playthings — The New York Times (City Room)
For further assets, media requests, or inquiries: info@singforhope.org