Twenty-two singers from the Arts District Chorale traveled to New York City and made ADC's debut at Carnegie Hall on April 15, 2024.
Under the direction of Dr. Ronnie Hall, friend of ADC's Artistic Director Blair King, ADC joined forces with the Masterworks Festival Chorus and the New York City Chamber Orchestra to perform Illuminare by contemporary composer Elaine Hagenberg. Hagenberg's presence for rehearsals and performance of her five-movement work added a special dimension to an already peak choral experience.
ADC's full ensemble performed Illuminare in Dallas on March 8, so the Carnegie trip was icing on the cake for the traveling singers. Nothing quite matches the thrill of the iconic Carnegie venue, other than joining voices with talented singers from across the nation to perform music with lush harmonies, memorable melodies, and sensitive settings of poetry and texts.
In addition, ADC alone experienced the beautiful architecture and acoustics of New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine, where the chorale had a private choir sing. The group also performed informally at John's Pizza in Times Square, as well as in the subways of NYC.
To celebrate Carnegie camaraderie, singers gathered for a reunion in early June. A Carnegie pop quiz was answered by attendees, who brought mementos to share.
Says baritone John Harpool, an ADC singer since 2005, "I had a wonderful experience singing with the Arts District Chorale at Carnegie Hall! Not only did we get to experience the beauty and acoustics of this legendary hall, but we also enjoyed meeting members of the other choirs singing this program with us. From the lively rehearsals, to exploring NYC in our free time, I'm thrilled we had this opportunity." "As an individual who has devoted my entire life to singing and teaching," says alto Elizabeth Smith-Rosenbloom," performing at Carnegie Hall was a pinnacle experience for me. The management of the Manhattan Concert Production Company and Dr. Ronnie Hall of our performance made the experience even more thrilling. It was exciting to meet Elaine Hagenberg and to listen to her discuss her composing process and receive feedback from her as we rehearsed. Thank you, Blair, for making this event such a memorable, affirming and once-in-a-lifetime experience."
ADC plans a sequel in June 2025.
