Mayo children’s choir performs at Carnegie Hall in New York City
The Westport Children’s Choir earns international acclaim with a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience
Young singers from Westport have taken to one of the world’s most prestigious stages, as the Westport Children’s Choir delivered a standout performance at Carnegie Hall.
Directed by Eriko Uehara Hopkinson, the choir travelled to New York City following an invitation that stemmed from a collaboration eight years ago with Venezuelan composer Cristian Grases.
That partnership led to a return invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall as part of a major international concert organised by Distinguished Concerts International New York.
The Mayo choir joined children’s groups from across the globe, including performers from Honduras, Hong Kong and the United States, in a vibrant programme celebrating Venezuelan music and culture.
The concert featured several of Grases’s compositions, including “La Bellota y el Cerdo (Pig and Acorn)” and “La Luna (The Moon)”, as well as a new piece titled “Deseos (Wish)”. The performance also included his five-movement choral work Gloria, delivered alongside a six-piece Latin band.
Sung entirely in Venezuelan Spanish, the 40-minute programme followed two days of intensive rehearsals, bringing together young performers in a unique cultural exchange.
Members of the Westport Children’s Choir described the experience as unforgettable, highlighting both the musical challenge and the excitement of performing on an international stage.
The concert was attended by Gerald Angley, Consul General of Ireland in New York, who praised the performance as “a most enjoyable and wonderful concert.”
The choir also acknowledged the support of the local Mayo community, councillors and organisations who helped make the trip possible.
The achievement marks a proud moment for Westport and the wider Mayo region, showcasing local talent on a global stage and strengthening cultural ties through music.