Ten members of the Lauderdale Community Choir – joined by one husband and a son – braved a Scottish blizzard to begin their journey to New York City, where they had the incredible opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of renowned composer and conductor Eric Whitacre.
After a delay on the runway for wing de-icing, the group finally took off, bound for one of the world’s most iconic concert venues. They joined choirs from across the globe, many of them made up of students from U.S. schools and colleges, to perform a holiday-themed programme as part of a massed choir event.
The rehearsals in the lead-up to the concert were both challenging and rewarding. All nine songs in the repertoire had to be memorised, as the performance was to be given without scores. “Singing Seal Lullaby—one of Eric’s own compositions—under his baton was bliss,” said choir member Shelagh Chalmers.
Despite the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the group worked hard throughout rehearsals. Whitacre’s charisma and sense of fun made the experience especially memorable.
In their free time, choir members enjoyed exploring the city. Fortunately, the New York weather was kinder than that back home! Highlights included visits to Broadway shows such as Six, the story of Henry VIII’s six wives, and the ever popular The Book of Mormon.
Huge breakfasts at The Carnegie Diner and tranquil walks through Central Park were some of the many memorable activities in our time between rehearsals.
Concert night was unforgettable. The choir performed pieces including Glow, Seal Lullaby, Lux Aurumque, and several Christmas songs by a range of composers. In the second half of the programme, they joined the audience to enjoy the world premiere of Eric Whitacre’s The Gift of the Magi, with Eric’s wife, Laurence Servaes, as lead soprano.
The evening ended with a celebratory buffet reception—an uplifting conclusion to a truly special experience. The following day, the group returned to Scotland, tired but filled with memories that will last a lifetime.