On a high note
Fresh off performance at historic theater, chorale sings praises of focus, dedication
The Texarkana Regional Chorale and several area choirs delivered a knockout Saturday in New York City during an evening concert at Carnegie Hall, the choir’s director said.
Marc-André Bougie headed up the group of singers, who made their way from the Four States Area to the Big Apple, rehearsed and prepared and then performed Haydn’s “Mariazell Mass” with Texarkana College singers and choirs from LibertyEylau High School and Veritas Academy. Singers from the Shreveport Chorale and the Chapels of Sts. Peter and Paul in Tyler, Texas, joined, as did singers from San Francisco.
The New England Symphonic Ensemble and soloists from the New York City area also performed for the concert, which marked the third time the local chorale enjoyed a Carnegie Hall adventure.
“I would say that the objective of the trip was to deliver a knockout performance at Carnegie Hall, and we did that,” Bougie said.
As they were there practicing, the singers kept their eyes on the prize and gave a performance with their best shot at the piece from pretty much all angles.
“I’m very proud of the young people who were involved in the project,” Bougie said.
“I would say that the objective of the trip was to deliver a knockout performance at Carnegie Hall, and we did that.” —Marc-André Bougie, TRC conductor
The conductor noted that he didn’t have to get people to do what they were supposed to do: They did it on their own—the way it should work, he said, crediting this to the group’s dedication and the young singers’ understanding of the significance of the performance. He told them it would be a moment they would never forget if they gave their focus, attention and energy to it.
“They heeded that call,” Bougie said.
He was also pleased with the older singers, who served as role models throughout the trip, “to show those young people the way ahead and how to deliver that performance.”
Once in New York, singers had a grueling lineup of preparations, including two days of rehearsals and one final dress rehearsal with everyone involved just hours before the concert. It worked on their nerves, admits Bougie, but it was worth it.
“We had a standing ovation, so that says it all,” said Bougie, who conducted the performance.
A veteran of two Carnegie trips with the TRC and other tours, he said it was the best touring experience he’s ever had.
“I’d say over 1,000 people (were) there.”
Tiffanie Edmonson-Foster traveled as a singer with the chorale, which she’s involved with as a nursing student at TC. It was a learning experience for her and others.
“That is the premier performance hall for musicians in this country. It is the No. 1 spot,” Edmonson-Foster said. The singers ranged in age from 16 to 80, with everyone having something to offer.
“Marc expects a lot of us, but for all the right reasons. He really teaches you what it takes to be a professional musician,” EdmonsonFoster said.
For many, she points out, this was their first time to leave the area and perform, an invaluable experience to have.
“It really broadened our world perspective and our life experience,” she said, noting that although there was a lot of pressure, the reward was “almost indescribable.”
She’s thankful for the experience, which makes her a better musician, and for those who made it happen. She’s particularly grateful to the Texarkana College Foundation for its support of this experience.
The concert allowed singers like her and those from area high schools to sing in a truly magnificent venue. It’s not the biggest hall, Bougie said, but its wood paneling and red velvet seating make it memorable.
“The acoustics in there are phenomenal,” he said. “It’s classically designed—not too big, not too small. … The visual impact of the hall is very powerful. It sounds good, and it looks good.”
Bougie said he is especially thankful for chorale supporters.
“I can’t say enough about the members of all backgrounds of all ages for giving it their all and making it a once-in-a-lifetime performance,” Bougie said.