Forty-six members of the USI Chamber Choir traveled to New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall in May 2019. The ensemble performed in the Masterwork Festival Chorus 20th Anniversary Concert.
USI is one of five higher education institutions that shared the stage to perform Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, a 45-minute, seven-movement piece based on the Catholic Mass of the Dead. “It is absolutely beautiful,” says Daniel Craig, associate professor of music and director of the USI Chamber Choir. The Chamber Choir was accompanied by the New York City Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Simon Carrington.
Carnegie Hall, New York City
“For many students on the trip, this will be their first time in New York City,” Craig says. “They have commented about how fascinating it is that their very first trip to New York City offers them an opportunity to sing in Carnegie Hall.” It was much the same for Craig in 2011, when he traveled to New York for the first time, also with the USI Chamber Choir.
Choir members pose with Dean Beeby and Choir Director, Dan Craig, outside of Carnegie Hall
The Chamber Choir had been preparing since January and performed the Requiem during its Spring Concert in Evansville in April 2019. “We had to send them [Carnegie Hall] a complete recording of all of the movements to prove that we were ready to go,” explains Craig, who says USI’s pair of winning performances at an international festival in Ireland and participation in another festival in Poland have opened doors for the Chamber Choir, like the one leading to Carnegie Hall.
While in New York, USI students spent much of their time rehearsing, including one rehearsal in Carnegie Hall. They attended a reception (hosted by President Rochon, the USI Foundation, alumni and supporters), as well as a Broadway show.
Watch the video below that features choir members sharing what the experience was like.
Written by Erin Meyer | Video and photos by Kristina Arwood