Student vocalists headed to Carnegie Hall
Six student vocalists from the Academy of the Holy Angels (AHA) in Demarest have been selected to perform at the 2024 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.
Martine Alvarez of Chestnut Ridge, N.Y., Haedyn Brigati of Englewood Cliffs, Alyssa Finch of River Vale, Lilianna Garber of Mahwah, Kiera Kwiatkowski of Glen Ridge, and Georgette Ochs of Fairlawn successfully auditioned for the High School Honors Women’s Choir. They will be part of a mid-winter concert at Carnegie Hall, guided by a renowned conductor whose identity will be revealed to the students during the in-person rehearsals scheduled for the first week of February. The performances will take place from Feb. 7-11.
The High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall offers rising 9th-12th grade musicians a unique chance to perform at one of the world’s premier venues. To apply for auditions, which are conducted on a rolling admissions basis, high school-aged singers must have a referral from their music teacher. Selected finalists work with renowned conductors, rehearse with peers from around the globe, and explore New York City’s cultural scene. The program includes activities like attending a Broadway show and sightseeing in addition to rehearsals at Carnegie Hall. Participants can earn college credit and apply for scholarships through the program.
All the selected performers from AHA sing for the school’s chorus and Seraphima, the academy’s a cappella ensemble. They study with AHA Choral Director Lisa Marciano, who nominated them to the program for their talent and dedication to their craft.
Brigati, a sophomore, said that she discovered her passion for singing when she was invited to sing a solo performance at a friend’s first Communion Mass in 1st grade. Since that time, Brigati sang in the children’s choir at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Tenafly. She credits her Catholic faith and education as vital to her success as a singer.
Brigati’s favorite part of attending a Catholic school is to “be able to sing the Word of God with the people I enjoy singing with the most.
“I integrate the values and teachings of my Catholic education into my performances by praying before each performance and asking God for protection while on stage,” Brigati said.
Having auditioned with the traditional Italian song “Sebben, Crudele” in E Minor, as an homage to her Italian heritage, Brigati said she is excited to deepen her love for and connect to music during the Honors Performance Series.
Garber, an active participant in AHA’s performing arts program, has been involved in musical theater since the age of 5. She expressed excitement about participating in the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.
Garber said that singing makes her feel closer to God. “Just as one might feel that connection in nature or in other beauty, for me singing also feels like a spiritual experience,” she said.
Before performances, Garber prays for herself and her fellow singers. “Knowing that God is always with me helps me ground myself and channel any anxiety I may be feeling into positive adrenaline” during the performance, she said.
Ochs, a senior, credits her Catholic education at AHA for empowering her to continue to pursue her vocal passions despite facing challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ochs revealed that her faith played a crucial role in buoying her spirits and keeping her dedicated to singing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singing with masks and practicing virtually were challenges, but her faith helped her maintain hope and create music videos at home. Her faith also motivated her to give back. She sewed over 500 masks for healthcare workers during the pandemic, which helped her maintain positivity during that time.
Ochs, a cantor at St. John the Baptist Church in Hillsdale, emphasized the value of working together towards a common goal, a principle she applies in all her singing groups.
Alvarez said singing at Carnegie Hall will be a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” A soprano II at AHA, she performed “Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento” for her Carnegie Hall audition. She looks forward to building friendships with fellow musicians while learning from professionals in the musical field.
Finch was chosen for her wide vocal range, allowing her to sing both alto and soprano. She credits her choir director, Marciano, and her vocal coach, Terri Grosso, for her nomination and successful audition to the Carnegie Hall Honors Series.
“I’m excited about sharing my love for music with peers who share an equal appreciation and look forward to learning from the distinguished conductors involved in the program,” Finch said. “I look forward to making memories with my fellow Angels that will last a lifetime.”
Kwiatkowski has a passion for musical theater and enjoys challenging her vocal talents with operatic pieces. As she prepares for the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall, she looks forward to being humbled by the experience, improving her vocal skills, and gaining insights into the professional choral world.
As the young performers prepare for their upcoming Carnegie Hall performance, they are not only honing their musical skills but also drawing strength from their faith. They received music sheets during the last week of December to practice at home. During the first week of February, the girls will travel to New York City to begin in-person rehearsals for the concert.
The High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall promises to be a spiritual and musical crescendo for these young talents, as they display their vocal prowess in the revered venue. Tickets are available to the public through the Carnegie Hall box office.
Featured image: Georgette Ochs (center) performs with Seraphima, the AHA acapella group.
