Distinguished Concerts International - New York - 2008 DCINY Inaugural Concert Letters

2008 DCINY Inaugural Concert Letters

Letters Regarding the January 21, 2008 Inagural Concert at Carnegie Hall

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Eph Ely, Professor Emeritus, Conservatory of Music
University of Missouri, Kansas City

What a smashing success Monday evening turned out to be!! The program undertaken was above and beyond substantial. I am dumbfounded as to how you put so much music together and were able to stand on the podium and make it through so many notes. The choirs sounded wonderful. And, what an interesting bunch they were, truly international. It was such a lovely homogeneous quality of tone between orch., chor. and the children. The second work was stunning and extremely emotional with the video. I was very pleased to have been present.

And - then there was the party after. WOW! What a hit. It was such fun to visit with the Uphauses, Davies, Nunez, etc., etc. It was a grand affair and a wonderful time had by all. I, of course, always expect that any 'Griffith' event will be FIRST CLASS and once again, it was.

Thank you sooo much for inviting me, and for including me as part of the DCINY family.

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Mari Christopher, University of Hawaii Showcase parent

This message is to thank you or inviting, hosting and allowing the University of Hawaii Showcase singers to perform with the other outstanding artists at Carnegie Hall on January 21, 08. My daughter, Julien Christopher was one of the lucky participants as she is the alto section leader for that choir. I do not know if you are aware of how hard these students worked to get to New York. I don't think any of them had ever been to NYC and my daughter was also new to your city.

This performance of Karl Jenkins Requiem at the illustrious Carnegie Hall, was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The entire UHH choir performed this Requiem at Christmas time in 06. It was a magnificent sounding concert and the students were proud that Mr. Jenkins was able to hear them in person. Only 17 of the showcase singers were able to go to NYC but those kids will never forget the value and thrill of it. My thanks to you for allowing my daughter to be one of the recipients of this treasured experience. She came home with many fun stories about NYC and the professionalism, commitment and rigor of the musicians she was able to work/study under through your generous offer.

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Beth S. Canepa, Participant, Jacksonville, NC

I sang alto 2 with the Crystal Coast Choral Society (directed by Finley Woolsten) at the subject concert in January 2008. I cannot say enough good things--I was thrilled to be part of such an amazing musical experience and I had a wonderful time in NY with my 10-year old daughter, who accompanied me as my "VIP" guest.

I thought that everything was extremely well organized and coordinated--no small feat when juggling all the moving parts that go into a production of that scale--so my hat's off to your company for running the myriad of logistical requirements so efficiently.

I would love to be part of a future production with your company.

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Amanda, BBCI Participant

I just wanted to write and say THANK YOU for such a wonderful time singing in the Karl Jenkins concert. I was fortunate to be able to sing in both pieces and it was a FANTASTIC experience and challenge. You gave me so much to come home with, and to be able to pass onto others. I trained in vocal technique in the theater many years ago and teach people now to "Find their Voices." We were all so grateful to the exercises that you gave us that enabled us to sing for 3 days with no vocal fatigue. The whole experience was completely uplifting and professional and memorable.

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Jack O'Neil, Audience member, Landsdowne, PA

On Monday I had the pleasure of attending your special concert, held in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Both the Requiem and the Mass for Peace were performed beautifully. The film that accompanied the Mass for Peace was unexpected and superb. I could go on at length about how moving the entire experience was for me.

Thank you for a wonderful night at the Hall.

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Helen Roberts, Coordinator, City of Bath Bach Choir

City of Bath Bach Choir and I personally would like to send a very big thank you to you and all at DCINY for providing such a fantastic music experience last week. The whole trip exceeded all our expectations.

The rehearsals were such fun. Not only did we all enjoy rehearsals, we all felt we learnt something as well. Those in the group singing both the Requiem and the Armed Man felt it very challenging and tiring, but would not have done anything differently. They found it an unforgettable experience.

For me, listening to the Armed Man was such a treat. The performance was made so much more powerful by the presence of the film. I was spell bound from beginning to end, and was very impressed with the delivery of the music by the choir. You achieved an incredibly high standard in a relatively short space of time.

Onto the reception. What a lovely occasion that was, and so much delicious food. It was a great opportunity to mix with the other choirs.

Thank you again for such a fantastic musical experience.

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John Cuk, Director of Choirs, Scarsdale High School, NY

I want to thank you for inviting my students to perform on your inaugural concert.

My students and their parents were overwhelmed by the entire event. One parent called yesterday and said that her daughter never realized what a monumental hall Carnegie was and that we were so blessed to have something like that in New York. She never realized what it would be like. Her mother sat in awe through the entire concert. If our purpose is to educate and inspire the next generation of music listeners and consumers, then we surely did our part Monday night.

On a personal note, I too was happy to be part of your "first born." Having worked with you in the past I knew that both of you would bring a certain comfort zone to my preparations and needs. I was also in awe of the organization and professionalism throughout the entire process, but most certainly at the hall. I especially want to single out Peter for his wonderful and deft handling of all of the details - done also with a smile.

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Shirley LeBoeuf, Paul LeBoeuf, StevenMichael Egerton-Belill
Participants, Swansboro, NC

This was my third concert at Carnegie Hall, my husband's second, and our grandson's first. Because we were not required to stay at one particular hotel we were able to stay cheaper, allowing all three of us to go.

We were very appreciative of the way the entire trip was put together. I also liked having the after concert party at Rosie O'Gradys. Iris is fantastic. It was GREAT that both Jonathan and Karl made themselves accessible to the participants. It made things so special.

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Joe Soucy, Orchestra Member

I wanted to take a moment and tell you not only did I have a wonderful time working with the musicians in the orchestra, but also how well run the event was. I have performed numerous concerts in New York in basically every venue and this was by far the most organized. I also have Tessa to thank because she was most definitely a driving force behind the efficiency, from getting the music and recordings mailed to me, to having name tags on the seats so there were no questions. What a great team! I wish you all the best with your new company.

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