In what could definitely be called a “once in a lifetime” opportunity - three Wakefield students will have the ability to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City next year, along with their instructor, Ms. Esly Ovando.
Ovando, who was recently accepted as a guest performer at Carnegie Hall as part of a 50-member choir for composer Eric Whitaker, was able to “scale” her success back to her students, and bring them into a performance as well at the famous music hall.
In June of 2023, the three Wakefield youth, and Ovando, will travel to New York City for a few days of practice, and a performance in the Isaac Stern auditorium inside Carnegie Hall.
Ovando had applied herself to be a guest performer under composer Eric Whitaker after hearing about the opportunity from the son-in-law of a friend at her old church in 2021.
Ovando said she spent a few months deciding to apply, wondering if she was ready for that level of performance, but eventually sent in her application videos and selections, and found out in March that she had been selected to join the 50-member choir that will perform Whitaker’s pieces at Carnegie Hall this November.
With that association made, Ovanda was able to help her students apply for a similar event, to be held next June - where they will perform pieces composed by Howard Goodall, for his time as director.
Ovando said that the three Wakefield youth - Mikkie Mogus, Joaquin Chavez-German and Jackson Pommer, will join a choir of other high school youth performing Goodall’s selections.
The group will arrive in New York City for the week of June 2-6, spend two days rehearsing, and then perform on June 5.
Ovando said that during the times the group is not performing, they’re excited to be able to tour New York City and see many of the local sights while there, and the trip will wrap up with a reception dinner after the choral performance.
There has already been some significant support raised for the expense associated with the trip from the First Presbyterian Church and Pastor Charity Potter, and Ovando said she’s very appreciative of the support the music department has received, noting that the community has always supported music in many ways.