Westport choir invited to New York

DREAMING OF THE BIG APPLE The six members of Westport Youth Choir, from left: Elliott McDonagh, Maggie Whittaker, Reily Christopher, Mine Efeni, Taylor Jordan and Shaylee McHale. Pic: studioob2.com

Ciara Moynihan

In recognition of their excellence, the Westport Youth Choir and their dynamic director, Eriko Hopkinson, have been invited to perform in New York City’s famous Carnegie Hall on Sunday, April 2.
The invitation was personally extended by none other than acclaimed conductor, educator, artistic director and lecturer Jonathan Griffith, the founder of Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), which has brought together, under his artistic leadership, thousands of musicians and choral singers in concert at prestigious venues across the US.   
The choir has been asked to participate in the DCINY’s annual production of ‘Total Vocal’, under the creative direction of renowned arranger/producer Deke Sharon. Praised for being musically ‘outstanding’ by Griffith, the Westport group will join with other top-calibre choristers to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International, described as ‘a choir of distinction’.
The residency will include two half-days of rehearsals and clinics, culminating in the performance with Sharon.
Westport Youth Choir is a small a cappella group formed mostly from former members of the Westport Children’s Choir, and they have already won a clutch of awards at choral competitions.
Back in 2018, Westport Children’s Choir was invited to sing at the world premier of the children’s choral suite ‘La Cigarra y La Hormiga’ (‘The Ant and the Grasshopper’), by Venezuelan composer Christian Grases at Carnegie Hall. The young singers rose the occasion beautifully, learning their Spanish-language parts with enthusiasm and aplomb to deliver a dynamic and joyful performance that received a standing ovation. Memories to savour for a lifetime.
Help get them there
The Westport Youth Choir is now hoping to seize this incredible opportunity to once again represent Mayo and fly the green and red in one of the Big Apple’s most venerable venues. Travelling to perform at this level comes at great expense, however, and the choir and Eriko would deeply appreciate any donation – no matter how big or small – towards sending this group to Carnegie Hall.
They need to raise €10,000, and while they are half way there, they still have a good way to go if they are to have any chance of fulfilling their New York dream. They are now appealing to organisations, public and private, and individuals for help with the costs. They have set up an online fundraising page, which can be found at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/WYC.