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Globe-trotting singer Jackie Evancho is heading to Russia this summer to perform in the opening ceremony for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The 12-year-old from Richland Township will perform June 20 in a "Bouquet of the Opera" concert with opera singers Dmitri Hvorostovsky of Russia and Sumi Jo of South Korea.

Sarah Hicks, the principal conductor of pops and presentations for the Minnesota Orchestra, will direct the symphony orchestra. Previously, Jackie traveled to and, as well as sites across the U.S., to perform. Her fan base circles the globe.

The June 21-23 economic forum is a platform for discussions and debates on issues affecting the global economy, global business, government, energy and media, according to its website. Leaders from around the world will attend. Leaders from around the world will attend.

"The trio, who will perform on Palace Square, is made up of artists from Russia, Korea and America, it has to symbolize unity and equality," the translation of the Russian announcement states.

Asked if the Evanchos had any reservations about going or if they immediately answered yes to the request, Jackie's father, Mike, said their response was not immediate. "First, Jackie has to want to do it and, secondly, it has to fit into the calendar." He noted that it was a unique opportunity and a possible "once in a lifetime" event. Noting the "Bouquet of the Opera" theme for the concert, Mike was asked if Jackie will sing opera. He responded: "Jackie is a classical crossover artist and will be singing her material in the style she currently sings. The Classical Crossover genre itself straddles different genres from pop to opera to classical, so doing an event like this where it is billed as the 'Bouquet of the Opera' does not and should not place Jackie in the opera genre nor does it make her an opera singer.

"Before it was called Classical Crossover, it was known as 'Popera', a mix of pop and opera. It’s more about how it’s sung, not what is being sung.

"It’s no different than when she took part in David Foster’s 'Hitman Returns' concert. Just because she took part in his pop concert, it doesn’t make her a pop singer. Same applies with this event."

The entire Evancho family will travel to the event in St. Petersburg, Mike said.