KIDS IN THE HALL
The Eastern Sierra Community Chorus, a la Kevin McAllister, will be lost in New York next week.
But straight out of a Hollywood movie, they’ll find themselves performing at Carnegie Hall for the grand finale.
What?
That’s right. Our small but mighty chorus of 32 will be performing in the very cradle of American arts and culture – after the requisite side trips to a few Broadway shows!
Choir Director Nancy Holland explained that our chorus will be performing alongside nine other groups, comprising a total of 400-500 singers.
“This wasn’t something we tried out for,” added Holland.
In fact, she said, the Chorus was recruited. Based upon its performance of an Eric Whitacre piece (“Seal Lullaby”) last year.
Whitacre is a well-known contemporary conductor/composer. The concert evening on Monday, April 13 is a tribute to him.
Apparently, the research team at Carnegie had scoured the internet looking for groups that had recently performed his work.
Serendipity.
While there are 40 members of the Choir, just 32 will make the trip. They include:
Soprano: Raina Aide, Jenn Blake, Robyn Geffre, Sasha Hashemipour, Cindy Hougland, Sarah Moore, Kathleen Nelson, Sheryl Saari, Jan Power, Kristin Reese, Erica Sutch
Alto: Peggy Armenta, Judy Burgenbauch, Sara Chavez, Lily Holland, Nancy Holland Bailey Kaysa, Heidi Leary, Yvonne Mills, Marilyn Oltmans, Wendy Parisky, Kathleen Taylor, Lianne Silano
Tenor: Holly Brady 2, Jeff Fichtner 1, Steve Miller 2, Jan Rhoades 1, Lou Stewart 1
Sue Weis 2
Bass: Ryan Mills, Aedwyrd (Kenneth Needham), Phil Higerd
It truly is an Eastern Sierra Chorus, with members from Big Pine to Mono City.
After the big splash in New York, the Chorus will return to give local concerts on May 1 (Mammoth) and May 2 (Bishop).
At those shows, the Chorus will perform the Carnegie Hall repertoire plus a few numbers with the Mammoth High School Choir directed by Mike Hammers (36 strong).
While Holland has connection to both Whitacre (she met him while she was getting her doctorate at USC and he helped coach her ensemble) and Carnegie (she performed there with the New England Conservatory Choir) this chance opportunity leaves her absolutely tickled.
Never mind the chance to also catch the Raphael exhibit at the Met.
