How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice…or you could go with Chowan University. 

Few musicians, even those of the highest caliber, ever expect to see the view looking out over the footlights to a packed audience at Carnegie Hall in New York City. It’s a dream come true, the chance of a lifetime for the small group of Chowan students and local singers who are scheduled to take the stage on the afternoon of February 13, 2016.

“It’s an absolutely wonderful opportunity,” beamed Aaron Rice, Assistant Professor of Music and Choral Director for Chowan University. “We couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Rice has been teaching and directing the University’s various vocal ensembles since his arrival in the fall of 2013, including the Chowan Chorus, Chowan Singers, and Cantare. This opportunity arrived, in part, thanks to Aaron’s involvement. The invitation came by way of Rice’s long-time mentor and friend, a professional conductor who regularly leads concert performances on the Carnegie Hall stage. The Chowan University choir, along with a small group of local supporters who will lend their vocal talents, will join with nearly two hundred other accomplished musicians to present John Rutter’s Magnificat.

“It will be entirely different compared to what our students are accustomed,” mused Rice. “To be part of such a large ensemble, to participate in and be surrounded by such a full sound, and in a hall with such storied history. It will not be the usual performance experience.”

Designed by architect William Burnet Tuthill and built by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1891, Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious venues in the world. More than 46,000 events have taken place in Carnegie Hall’s three auditoriums since its opening 1891. Please join us in offering our congratulations to the Chowan student and community performers who will be joining their ranks. We wish them the best of luck.