VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — To perform at Carnegie Hall is a once in a lifetime opportunity, something many people can only dream about.
But next month, members of the Virginia Beach Chorale will make their dreams a reality.
Artistic Director and Conductor Don Krudop was invited to host a guest residency and conduct at the famous New York venue.
He said he was notified of the opportunity about a year-and-a-half ago and remembered the emotions he felt when he got the call.
“It’s half-thrilling and half-terrifying,” Krudop said. “I have been lucky enough to have two of my high school choirs sing in Carnegie Hall, but that was a matter of us applying and being accepted to sing. Whereas, this was Mid-America Productions inviting me to come conduct.”
He’ll be conducting three pieces.
“The three movements are ‘Praise to the Trinity,’, ‘Prayers’ and ‘Praise to Christ.’
Krudop won’t be alone.
Thirty members of the Virginia Beach Chorale as well as 20 of his former students from Salem High School and the Visual and Performing Arts Academy will join him for the performance.
That includes former student Skylar Jinar, who told 10 On Your Side she’s feeling all excitement and no nerves in anticipation of the big concert.
“Dr. K chose me as a trio member for one of the movements at Carnegie Hall, which I’m really excited about,” Jinar said. “So definitely a lot of extra prep for that particular part.”
As Krudop reminisced about the first time he and his students walked into Carnegie Hall, he said he’s just excited to be a part of the venue’s history.
“I was overwhelmed by the fact that I’m standing on the stage where Peter Tchaikovsky conducted one of the first concerts ever,” Krudop said. “Just the history and the awe that comes with performing and in that kind of venue, it’s a very special moment.”
The performance is set for June 23.
But if you can’t make it up to New York and still want a chance to hear the pieces they’ll be performing, you can attend their concert at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach at 7 p.m. Saturday. Click here to purchase tickets for the “Virginia Beach Chorale – The Carnegie Concert” at the Sandler Center.