Cambridge Street United Church Choir sings at Carnegie Hall
On May 28 Cambridge Street United Church’s choir got the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Back in December the choir was invited to submit samples of their singing for a chance to perform at the mass choir concert. After they were accepted, the 14 members of the senior choir and Voices of Victory youth choir headed to New York for this great opportunity.
The choir took lots of time to prepare for this moment. With two four-hour rehearsals – including one with a professional orchestra at Carnegie Hall – they were ready. After all their preparation they got up on stage and performed Our Father by Pepper Choplin.
“It was an honour to sing at this esteemed hall,” says Cathy Puffer, a member of the choir.
For a lot of these local performers, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall. Like Puffer, many of them appreciated the opportunity.
Aliyah Rowe one of the other members of the choir says it was a moment she’ll never forget.
“Standing on the stage looking out to the huge auditorium was such an amazing feeling and singing along with people who were gathered from across North America felt so special…It was one of the best and most beautiful performances I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of. I will never forget that moment,” said Rowe.
While the choir was honoured, the audience was in awe, according to participants. Paul Reed, who attended the concert and is the husband of one of the singers, says he was proud of the group while watching their performance.
“The music was familiar as it had been sung at Cambridge Street United Church with orchestra, but in that place, by the massed choir, it was phenomenal. I felt great pride in the ability and leadership of our Kawartha Lakes/ Cambridge Street United Church contingent.”