The Grammy-winning National Children's Chorus makes its solo concert debut at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage May 6 at 3 PM. The concert, titled Voices of Action, Creating a World of Belonging, previews music the group is set to record at London's famed Abbey Road Studios this summer, part of their forthcoming holiday music album.
The multi-cultural offerings include the world premieres of Gaayatri Kaundinya's"Diya Jalein," the Spanish lullaby "A La Nanita Nana" by Carlos Cordero, Andy Beck's arrangement of the Nigerian carol "Betelehemu," and André J. Thomas and Langston Hughes' "I Dream a World," along with works by Sharon Farber, Ola Gjeilo, and Eric Whitacre.
The ensemble, made up of young singers aged 10 to 18, is led by conductors Luke McEndarfer, Dr. Pamela Blackstone, Dr. Allan Laiño, and Dr. Nicholas Nicassio.
“Every child deserves music in their life,” says McEndarfer, the group's artistic director. “The May 6 concert is a reminder of what can happen when young people are nourished and encouraged to use their voices for the greater good. At the NCC, we give students the training and support they need to fully develop and express their talents. Through performances on historic stages like Carnegie, they share their exceptional musical artistry with the world and further our mission to reach and inspire children globally."
The concert precedes a gala for the ensemble, set for May 9 at the Ukranian Institute of America in NYC. Titled "All You Need is Love," the gala will support the group's scholarship fund.
National Children's Chorus trains more than 1,000 students in 30 choirs housed in chapter cities in Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Austin, Dallas, and Boston. Students are trained in opera, diction, auditioning, Kodály, Dalcroze Eurythmics, composition, and conducting.
Tickets for the May 6 concert are available at CarnegieHall.org.