In the heart of New York City, amidst the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, our talented students from SEU embarked on a special journey to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. From the moment they set foot in the city, to the exhilarating performance on one of the world’s most renowned stages, every moment was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.
The Days Leading Up to the Performance
Their adventure began with an early morning at the airport as the choir members gathered with anticipation for their rehearsals and excursions in NYC. After settling into their stay at the New York Marriott Marquis, they ventured to Times Square with a free day to explore, where the neon lights and crowds left them in awe — a true “New York City shock,” according to SEU junior Malaya Yague. The students were stunned by the fast-paced culture and noises that filled the streets.
Thursday, the choir’s schedule was packed with all-day rehearsals led by our very own choir director, Dr. Gordon, and joined by Dr. Rudolf from Miles College. The choir showcased their talents with renditions of the Coronation Mass and Gloria comprised of choirs from five different schools and four professional soloists from the New England Symphonic Ensemble, totaling an impressive 204 voices. Each time they were on stage, the students were awestruck at the power of their sound echoing throughout Carnegie Hall.
Amidst their all-day rehearsals, our SEU students seized the opportunity to explore the little pockets and delights of New York City. Some went and watched Broadway shows like Aladdin and Hadestown, while others partook in popular restaurants like Meatball Shop — a culinary gem known for its showcase on the television show Hell’s Kitchen.
Friday brought a classic New York experience as they tasted authentic bagels from Liberty Bagel before strolling through Central Park. After one of the rehearsals, they took a visit to Carnegie Hall and saw displays with Dr. Gordon’s name. This was a testament to his leadership and the choir’s achievements.
The Performance
Their performance took place Saturday night, April 13 — the audience was full of proud parents and family members who had traveled from far and wide to enjoy and watch this great accomplishment. Saturday was the culmination of months of dedication and hard work as the choir took the stage at Carnegie Hall. As the choir filled the hall with their harmonies, they felt the weight of the moment — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity realized on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. After the performance ended and the choir wrapped up at Carnegie, they celebrated with a dinner cruise along the waters of the Hudson River.
Malaya Yague shared her thoughts after their performance and reflections on their trip. “It was very surreal to be on that stage and realize it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was proud of Dr. Gordon because many of the students from other schools loved him,” she said. “And, being able to do this with people I have been in college with for so long was such a great accomplishment and memory.”
We Bid Farewell to NYC
The choir students, directors, and SEU alumni bid farewell to the city and many of the choir members reflected on the impact of their Carnegie Hall experience. For many, it was a journey of personal and musical growth, a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and passion for singing.
The SEU choir and Dr. Gordon were encouraged by the members at Carnegie to return at some point in the future. As they returned home, exhausted but joyful, they carried with them not only memories of their remarkable performance but also the hope of future adventures on the Carnegie Hall stage. Such an exciting experience our students got to participate in, and as a community, we are hopeful for opportunities like this to arise again.
