Angels Sing at Carnegie Hall

Some of the Academy of the Holy Angels’ best vocalists shared their talents at the Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series, an international event held in early February. Martine Alvarez of Chestnut Ridge (New York), Haedyn Brigati of Englewood Cliffs, Alyssa Finch of River Vale, Lilianna Garber of Mahwah, Kiera Kwiatkowski of Glen Ridge, and Gigi Ochs of Fair Lawn took the stage with peers from around the globe.

“The girls came back SO charged up, full of stories, and extremely happy to have participated,” AHA Choral Director Lisa Marciano shared. “Gigi Ochs also got chosen to sing solos!”

Marciano nominated all six performers, who are members of the AHA Chorus and Seraphima, the Academy’s select a cappella ensemble.

“My experience at Carnegie Hall was unforgettable,” said Ochs, who sang Soprano 1 in the Treble Choir. “I felt so honored to be chosen for a solo in Salut Printemps and Tundra, and the acoustics were beautiful. In college, I hope to continue singing with vocal ensembles. I made lots of new friends from all around the world, and we had such a good time rehearsing and exploring (New York City). I’ve always wanted to sing at Carnegie Hall, and it feels amazing to have accomplished this goal.”

Kwiatkowski was amazed at how Conductor Matthew Brady pulled the concert together in two days.

“He was engaging, patient, funny, and amazing at conducting,” she said of Brady. “Despite rehearsals running for many long hours that I wasn’t used to, I enjoyed every moment of it. I felt engaged and excited to sing, even when I was tired.”

As she got a taste of the performing life in New York City, Kwiatkowski learned to sight-read sheet music quicker, gained a greater appreciation for the choir’s group effort, and considered that music does not need to be perfect — just artistic.

“I felt like I was dreaming, standing in such a huge venue,” Kwiatkowski said of stepping onto the stage for the first time. “I was in shock when we did a sound check, and our song filled the venue with music. I felt nervous at first during the performance, but once we began to sing, I felt confident, empowered, and excited to share my talents and the result of many hours of practice on stage. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am so proud of the performance, and grateful to everyone who made it possible.”

Brigati called her experience amazing.

“When I first walked out onto the stage, the view was astonishing,” Brigati said. “As a singer, I have always wanted to perform at such a famous venue, but I did not think it would be possible until I was given this experience of a lifetime. I learned many different vocal techniques as well as reading unusual sheet music. I met many amazingly talented singers from across the country and I hope to keep those friendships alive. This experience was unforgettable and I have made so many memories that I will cherish for years to come.”

Finch added, “The conductor was wonderful at helping us to understand how to make the audience feel the emotions behind the music. He used the analogy of a watercolor painting in order to create a specific tone. I could visualize the colors and how they were supposed to sound. I will definitely use this technique when singing in the future. Additionally, he taught us not to over-sing the very high part, which we were punching out before he taught us to sing it in a lighter and sweeter tone.”

She was duly impressed by Carnegie Hall’s beauty and acoustics, which left her feeling awe and joy.

The singers’ experience also included taking in a performance of “Wicked” on Broadway.

“I got to go to the Top of Rock (the observation deck at Rockefeller Center) and the outstanding view was enhanced by the fact that I was with my friends,” Finch added. “The celebration cruise on the Hudson after the show gave us beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, and it was the perfect end to a wonderful experience.”

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious high school serves young women from many backgrounds. Visit HOLYANGELS.ORG to arrange a tour.