Thirty Longwood students and Dr. Pamela McDermott made their Carnegie Hall debut on May 13, as part of a 120-voice choir accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble. The students, all members of Camerata and/or Chamber Singers, represented majors across the University including Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Biology, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Computer Science, Elementary Education, Political Science, and Sociology.
The concert was the result of a year-long fundraising effort by the participating students and Dr. McDermott, supported by the Longwood Development Office, the Department of Music, and the Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences. Friends, family, alumni, and community members donated to the project, generously supplementing the fees each student paid to participate in the event.
While in New York, students spent two days in rehearsals before their dress rehearsal and performance in the prestigious venue. They toured historical and artistic sites in Times Square and around the city. Prior to the trip, students met outside of class time to plan, fundraise, and rehearse.
The May 13 concert was attended by 2300 patrons (out of 2800 seats), making it the most well-attended concert in the 2023 MidAmerica Productions season.