University of Nebraska at Kearney choir members will perform at the world’s most famous concert venue later this month.
Associate music professor and director of choral activities John Petzet is taking 32 students to New York City for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall in Midtown Manhattan.
Produced by MidAmerica Productions, the May 11 concert features students from a variety of UNK vocal ensembles, as well as Nebraska high school choirs from Bridgeport, Maywood and Arapahoe-Holbrook. It will take place in the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall.
Joined by the renowned New England Symphonic Ensemble, the UNK vocalists will perform Steve Dobrogosz’s “Mass” with accompanist Mirim Kim and the world premiere of Julio Morales’ “Xantolo” with featured soloists Elaine Alvarez, Laurel Semerdjian, Taylor P. Comstock and Andrew Manea.
The concert also showcases several other vocal groups from the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
All participating musicians will spend five days and four nights in New York City in preparation for the event. This includes about 10 hours in rehearsal, along with time to tour the Big Apple.
Petzet, who will direct the performance of “Mass,” called the invite an “honor and privilege.”
“Our five-day residency will not only give our students the esteemed opportunity to perform in one of the world’s most sought-after venues, Carnegie Hall, but it affords them the occasion to experience the culture, arts and cuisine of one of America’s most diverse metropolitan areas, New York City,” he said. “Afterward, the students will be treated to a two-hour dinner cruise featuring a spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, with a buffet dinner, music and dancing.”
For ticket information, call 212-247-7800 or visit carnegiehall.org. The concert can’t be viewed via livestream or recording.
Lawrence Miller, of Hemingford, is one of the students who will be performing at Carnegie Hall.