Singers from the Livermore-based Valley Concert Chorale joined vocal artists from Tracy, Southern California and Georgia in performing at famed Carnegie Hall in New York City last month.
Conducted by the baton of Deanna Joseph and accompanied by the New York City Chamber Orchestra, the combined chorus delivered the featured performance of John Rutter’s “Requiem” at the show in the “Masterwork Series” of Manhattan Concert Productions. Tri-Valley singers found the trip “both an emotional milestone and a deeply transformative artistic experience”, VCC officials said.
“To perform a great work with excellent musicians and a seasoned, outstanding conductor in one of the nation’s most revered venues was just a great life memory,” VCC treasurer Robbie See said in a press release.
“Singing in the famous hall was thrilling, but the rehearsals were moving on an even deeper level,” See added. “Everyone already knew the music well, so we could focus on the emotional journey of the ‘Requiem’ — from pleading, to joy, to desperation, to love and eternal rest. The harmony in ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’ and ‘Lux Eterna’ brought me to tears in more than one rehearsal.”
For Justin Beasley, VCC social media manager, the trip was also a memorable introduction to the Big Apple.
“How can I describe performing at Carnegie Hall, seeing a Broadway show, and experiencing New York City for my first time ever, other than as a dream come true?” Beasley said. “It was amazing working with Deanna Joseph as our conductor. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has me on cloud nine. The entire experience will stay with me forever, and because of it, I want to become a better singer, performer, person and artist.”
The residency saw VCC artistic director pull double duty as director of record for Tracy’s West High School Choral Leadership Academy. Also joining their “Requiem” performance were the Canticum Novum Chorale of Roswell, Ga., and the Orange County Choral Academy from Newport Beach.
The group stayed at the Westin Times Square and rehearsed in the hotel’s ballrooms. When they weren’t training, the singers experienced curated travel packages that included Broadway shows and sightseeing outings in Manhattan, according to VCC.
As the choral group gears up for its 2026-27 season of concerts in the Tri-Valley, it is set to host its next sing-along fundraiser event at Vine Cinema and Alehouse next month.
VCC invites people to “relive the magic, music and adventure” by joining in the moviehouse chorus of “Over the Rainbow”, “We’re Off to See the Wizard” and other favorite tunes from the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz”.
“Closed captions will be displayed throughout the film, for patrons to sing their favorite songs and enjoy the music together,” VCC reps said. “Patrons can get free coffee and donuts. There will also be a Costume Contest; who gets the most applause from the audience becomes the winner.”
The event is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. at Vine Cinema and Alehouse in downtown Livermore. For more information, go to valleyconcertchorale.org.
