Sunday, June 12, 2016

Saturday Afternoon

After rehearsal,  we broke into smaller groups and went for separate lunch adventures. Many of the singers opted to eat from the famous NY street carts and find a place to sit and watch the people go by. Just like real New Yorkers. Afterwards, the groups went on separate shopping excursions in Times Square. Everyone had a fantastic time and there were many souvenirs purchased - watch out family members...some of them are said to be for you!

After returning to the hotel to change into fancier duds, we walked to a Greek diner called the Olympic Flame. The food was amazing and everyone loved the huge menu and the choices it provided. We also took the opportunity to surprise two singers with cake and to sing them Happy Birthday.

Finally we were off to the Metropolitan Opera house to see the American Ballet Theater perform Rimsky-Korsakov's ballet the Golden Cockerel. The sets were stunning, as was the Met itself.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Saturday Rehearsal

Just a few snapshots of a rehearsal this morning. Enjoy!

Friday in NYC

Friday was a very busy day for our Young Singers. An early breakfast at Columbus Circle was followed by a hike through Central Park on our way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Afterwards, there was just enough time to take a quick lunch break on a giant rock in Central Park. The young singers were very excited to go to their first rehearsal with their clinician Cristian Grases and to meet the other choir members they would be singing with. There were six other choirs from around the United States and Canada. It was a long rehearsal but everyone learned a lot. After the rehearsal it was back to the hotel for authentic New York pizza! There was time for rest and to get dressed to go out on the town for the evening. We headed to the Theater District to see a production of Matilda. The singers had no idea that we had a surprise planned for them. After the show we had a meet and greet with members of the cast! Needless to say everyone was very excited. Finally we took our weary singers back to the hotel and got them to bed.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Hello New York!

Once we got settled into the hotel we were off to our first adventure...the subway! We headed to Carmines for a family style Italian dinner. Check out the feast they laid out on our tables. Afterwards, a short walk took us to St. Ignatius for a C4 concert. We were lucky to have the featured composers speak to us about their compositions beforehand. Afterwards, we serenaded  them with a song of our own. Then it was back on the subway where several of our singers and staff were surprised by an in car busker. I think he was more surprised to suddenly find himself accompanied by dozens of young singers out singing him! Finally we made it back to the hotel just in time for lights out. Check us out again tomorrow....

Up, up and away

After an early check-in and a train ride 45 singers are on their way to Carnegie Hall!