December 07, 2023
Angels to Sing at Carnegie Hall
Five top vocalists from Holy Angels will represent the Academy at the 2024 Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series. Martine Alvarez of Chestnut Ridge (New York), Haedyn Brigati of Englewood Cliffs, Alyssa Finch of River Vale, Lilianna Garber of Mahwah, and Kiera Kwiatkowski of Glen Ridge successfully auditioned for the upcoming High School Honors Women’s Choir. Together with peers from around the globe, they will work with a renowned conductor to put together a mid-winter concert at this world-famous venue.
All of the selected performers sing for the AHA Chorus and Seraphima, the Academy’s select a cappella ensemble. They study with AHA Choral Director Lisa Marciano, who nominated them for their talent and dedication to their craft.
Martine Alvarez has always enjoyed singing, but found special joy when she joined the choir in her elementary school. At that point, she realized how much she loves to vocalize with a group. These days, she sings Soprano II at AHA and in the greater community.
“I like to perform musical theater and pop music most, but I am more than willing to sing beautiful songs of other genres,” Alvarez said. She performed “Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento” for her Carnegie Hall audition.
“I could not believe that I had been accepted and was overjoyed at the prospect of being able to perform at Carnegie,” Alvarez said of her acceptance. “I knew that this was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and was very happy at being accepted into the program…I hope to build friendships with other musicians my age and learn to improve my musical ability. I am excited to learn from professionals in the musical field as well as perform in one of the most prestigious music locations in the world. However, I am most looking forward to performing with other talented musicians!”
Haedyn Brigati shared, “I have been singing for as long as I can remember. I have vivid memories of being in my school and church choirs from a very early age. Additionally, I always enjoy singing karaoke at parties with my family and friends. Music has always been a big part of my life. I have been involved in many different musical groups where I not only sang, but also played the flute. I know that music will be a life-long passion for me.”
Brigati auditioned with “Sebben, Crudele in E Minor,” but especially enjoys performing classic rock. She sings Soprano I at AHA and for local church choirs. She also plays for the AHA Orchestra. Brigati has sung with the Pueri Cantores Children’s Choir at St. John Nepomucene Church in New York City.
She described feeling pure excitement and astonishment when she learned she had been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Brigati immediately told everyone she knew.
“I hope to become a better singer, make new friendships, and, most importantly, deepen my love for and connection to music,” Brigati said of her HPS experience.
Alyssa Finch was a year old when she started singing a tune from “The Little Mermaid.” At two-and-a-half, she saw “Mary Poppins” on Broadway and knew she wanted to be a performer. Finch’s wide range allows her to sing both alto and soprano, but she sings Soprano I at AHA, and will sing soprano for the Honors Treble Choir. This Angel enjoys performing all types of music, including musical theater, pop/rock, jazz, and classical. Outside of AHA, she sings at her church and in various musical productions.
“The largest crowd I have ever sung in front of was 5,000 people when I was chosen to sing at ComicCon at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a Finish the Lyrics Contest,” Finch shared.
Her reaction to being accepted to the honors performance was immense gratitude.
“Thanks to my amazing choir director, Mrs. Marciano, and my exceptional vocal coach, Terri Grosso,” Finch said. “I’m excited about sharing my love for music with peers who share an equal appreciation and look forward to learning from the distinguished conductors involved in the program. I look forward to making memories with my fellow Angels that will last a lifetime.”
Lilianna Garber said she is extremely excited to be participating in the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. She has been singing and acting in musical theater productions since she was five years old, and these activities have always been a very important part of her life. She is active with the award-winning performing arts program at AHA. She also enjoys reading, writing, and science.
Kiera Kwiatkowski was in ninth grade when she began to take her lifelong love for singing seriously. She enjoys performing musical theater selections and challenging her vocal talents with operatic pieces.
“I always assumed I wasn’t good at singing due to the annoyance of my siblings any time I’d open my mouth to recite a musical’s worth of songs,” Kwiatkowski shared.
The day she received the acceptance email, she and her family were staying in a cabin with poor Wi-Fi.
“Finally, the email came in, and I literally jumped all around the cabin with excitement. I spent the rest of the trip with the underlying excitement that I would be singing on one of the world’s biggest stages in just a few short months.”
Asked what she hopes to bring home from Carnegie Hall, Kwiatkowski said, “I hope to be humbled…I also hope to improve my vocal skills and get a taste of what the professional choral world is like.”