On March 25th, the Traveling Chorus of CRLS, led by Dr. Ivan Stefanov, achieved a milestone in their musical journey with a resounding performance at the iconic Carnegie Hall. The event was part of the Symphony and Song concert series presented by Manhattan Concert Productions, where our choir shared the stage with 200 other talented singers representing high schools and colleges nationwide.
This wonderful chance was earned after a rigorous two-level audition procedure through recordings of the songs in the repertoire that evaluated their devotion and musical skill. Each recording sent had to match the highest requirements, which included flawless performance and accuracy. After being accepted into the program, the chorus had to quickly prepare for their big Monday night performance. They arrived in New York City on a Saturday morning and spent many hours each day in rehearsal.
Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, renowned Director of Choral Activities at the University of Colorado, Boulder, led the combined group of singers in a truly astounding concert. Every note resonated with emotion and accuracy, enthralling the audience and leaving a lasting impression.
In the end, the journey to Carnegie Hall was more than a destination; it was a transforming experience that will influence each member of the CRLS Traveling Chorus for years to come, because beyond the concert itself, the singers also experienced a life-changing journey of development and education.Sahana Miduturu, ‘27, reflects on the profound impact of the trip: “This performance has made me get better at talking to new people and making connections in a short amount of time. It has also taught me how much time and work is needed to get every perfect detail, because we sang each song a lot of times during the long rehearsals to get it almost perfectly during the performance.” Max Leiserson, ‘26, emphasizes the pivotal role of teamwork: “Because we were performing in such a big chorus, our individual success depended on everyone else and their success depended on us. Teamwork was a very important aspect of the trip.” As they ascended the stage at Carnegie Hall, they embraced the opportunity to push their limitations, perfect their skills, and introduce a bigger audience to their love of music. They left a legacy that will inspire future performers by demonstrating greatness and teamwork through commitment and diligence.
The members of the CRLS Traveling Chorus are still feeling the effects of their Carnegie Hall performance as they return home. Soprano section leader and TA, Arsen Carangelo, ‘24, encapsulates the heartfelt impact of the trip: “It was an awe-inspiring experience. It brought me so much joy, and cemented in my mind that I do want to teach music and bring other people this experience.” Their adventure continues here, serving as a starting point for future aims and objectives. The Traveling Chorus will perform works from their Carnegie Hall repertory at the forthcoming Spring Concert on May 15th, providing the community with a glimpse into this unforgettable event.
The trip to and its following performance were about more than just showing talent on an important stage; it was about each member’s devotion, hard work, and passion for their music. From the difficult audition process to the countless hours of rehearsal, each step proved their dedication to perfection. As they stood on the majestic stage of Carnegie Hall, they represented more than just their school or city; they reflected the values of collaboration and cooperation that were defined by their skilled work.
In celebration of their remarkable achievement, let us recognize the talented individuals who comprised the CRLS Traveling Chorus:
Shiri Mokryn (‘24), Elaine Wen (‘24), Ashi Prajapati (‘25), Soliyana Demie (‘26), Matthew Orlik (‘24), Ashley Kim (‘26), Priyota Imam (‘26), Arsen Carangelo (‘24), Gita Drummond (‘24), Sabrina Urbancik (‘24), Lucia Mindell (‘26), Hazel Koschwanez (‘26), Myles Litman (‘24), Eli Regina (‘24), Kiri-Anna Kingsbury Lee (‘24), Max Leiserson (‘26), Sisu DeSola (‘24), Nic Wayland (‘24), Jackson Beckfield (‘25), Rose Freedman-Riles (‘26), Lalo Garskof (‘26), Audrey Kirchwey (‘26), Samuel Lee (‘24), Sahana Miduturu (‘27), Kinnell Rippey (‘24), William Wei (‘26), Alice Zickler (‘27), Sammy Nkemnkia (‘24), Wilenchie Francois (‘24)
