Choir Finds Perfect Harmony at Carnegie Hall

SHU’s 4 Heart Harmony member describes the experience as surreal

For many musical artists, performing at Carnegie Hall is a dream. Students in SHU’s choir recently had a chance to live that dream when they accompanied world-renowned musicians Christie Julien, pianist, and Alexander Markov, violinist, in a baroque rock concert.

The performance provided SHU’s 4 Heart Harmony choir members with a night that will live long in their memories. The historic venue, which has seen musical legends from Tchaikovsky to The Beatles pass through its doors, gives even the most composed artists pre-show butterflies.

Students only began rehearsing in August for the show, which came about because of a friendship between Markov and Sacred Heart’s choral programs director, Christopher Grundy. When Markov called Grundy with plans for a concert at Carnegie Hall, he knew the choral director could provide him with an outstanding group of students for the event.

The 51 students who went to the famed concert hall were tasked with providing Markov excellent vocals on his final number of the night, Let’s Have Fun. Fittingly titled his last song was a new blend of the classic techniques of baroque classical music intertwined with the energy and excitement of modern rock.

A junior member of 4 Heart Harmony, John McCaffery, who plays cello, credits the performance with furthering his passion for singing. “I have always been a cellist, but since joining the choir program a few months ago, my love for singing has rapidly taken off. Following our recent performance at Carnegie Hall, my passion for this art form has grown to levels I could have never imagined. I’ll never forget that night,” he said.

A new choir member, McCaffery was understandably nervous for his first performance, especially one of such magnitude. But before walking on stage, he reminded himself how lucky he was to have the opportunity and how thankful he was for his time at SHU, which made the choir’s involvement possible.

Another junior choir member, Elizabeth Knapp, a lifelong singer and performer, is still trying to comprehend the incredible night at the legendary venue. “Appearing with members of the SHU choral program at Carnegie Hall was an incredible experience that still doesn’t feel real to me,” she said. “Everyone works so hard to ensure we sound great. It feels like the work I’ve put in over the past few years at SHU is paying off, and I couldn't be more grateful. I’m so proud of everyone for what we’ve accomplished and glad we got to share the experience.”

The concert was a unique event for all involved. Markov’s distinct baroque rock style offered the audience, dressed in formal evening wear, a chance to get up out of their seats and move to the music. McCaffery noted that at one point during Markov’s original song, appropriately titled Let’s Have Fun, he could see the audience dancing along with the music.

Grundy couldn’t be any prouder of the students involved and the professionalism they displayed throughout the process. From intense extra rehearsals to singing on one of music’s biggest stages, his students made a unique impact on him and his role as director.

“Events like this put our program on the map in a meaningful way. Not only were our students able to perform at one of the most famous concert venues in the world, but they had the experience of collaborating with and learning from top-tier artists,” Grundy said.

For more information, visit the choral program website or contact Gerald Goehring, performing arts director.