AHA's Vocal Ensemble performed with The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland at Carnegie Hall
October 31st 2014
The Academy of the Holy Angels Vocal Ensemble performed with The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland last night at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The AHA Vocal Ensemble is comprised of 23 students under the direction of Mrs. Lisa Oggioni Marciano. They perform primarily a cappella at school concerts and events at the AHA campus in Demarest, and were thrilled to be one of only six youth vocal groups from the New York area to be invited to sing with the CBOI. AHA junior Ciara Rhodes, who is a three time World Qualifier in Irish Step Dance, also performed at last night’s event. The concert featured a 120 piece youth orchestra conducted by Maestro Gearóid Grant. Other featured performers included tenors Michael Bodnyk and Colm Reilly, violinist Patricia Treacy and uilleann piper Patrick Martin.
The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland was established in 1995, primarily as a peace initiative — uniting young people from both sides of the Irish border through music. Founder and CEO of the orchestra, Sharon Treacy-Dunne, saw the healing power of music and its ability to convey the message of unity and reconciliation. “The orchestra strives every day to provide young people with the tools to create connections, reconcile differences, all the while encouraging them to exceed their own performance expectations and enhance their music education. The ability is there, CBOI just facilitates,” Treacy-Dunne said. “When I established the orchestra, my goal was to create a cross-culture and cross-community link between Catholic and Protestant school children throughout Ireland, and to educate children about commitment, tolerance and friendship through music.”
Vocal ensemble pre-performance
Performers receiving a standing ovation.
AHA junior Ciara Rhodes post Irish Step Dance performance.
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