Local choir heading to Carnegie Hall needs community’s help
In a few weeks, 24 talented members of our community – representing the Faith United Methodist Church Choir – will take the trip of a lifetime to New York City, where they will join approximately 250 other singers from around the world on stage at Carnegie Hall, one of the most famed concert venues of them all.
Led by Choir Director Craig Ramberger and Accompanist Brandon Kouri, the group will participate in a performance of Joseph Martin’s “Appalachian Winter” on Nov. 27, during Distinguished Concerts International’s New York Concert Series at Carnegie Hall. In preparation, they will also spend nine to 10 hours in rehearsals led by Martin during their five-day stay.
The group was selected to take part in the highly prestigious concert series after Ramberger was contacted by the associate director of Carnegie Hall who had come across its Christmas Cantata “Invitation to a Miracle” (also composed by Joseph Martin) online and requested a recording be submitted for consideration.
The rest is history.
But before they can board their flight to the Big Apple, the choir needs our support to make their dream a reality – the group continues to raise the $75,000 required to cover all expenses.
To aid its efforts, on Oct. 26, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Crosley Supper Club and the choir will host “Raise Their Voice,” a fund-raising dinner at the Powel Crosley Estate located at 8374 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m., followed by a choir performance featuring selections from “Appalachian Winter,” which they will perform at Carnegie Hall and at their church throughout the Christmas season.
Tickets are $48 per person. To make reservations, call 941-312-0000 or visit CrosleySupperClub.com. Additional donations for the trip can also be made at the Faith United Methodist Church website at faithchurchUM.org or sent via check to Faith United Methodist Church Choir Trip, 7215 First Ave. W., Bradenton, 34209.
There is no greater musical achievement and having this talented and deserving group of individuals in our community is just another reason to be proud to live in the Bradenton area.
Please join me in supporting the Faith United Methodist Church – which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year – on Oct. 24 at the Powel Crosley Estate, help them get to Carnegie Hall and wish them all the best during their trip next month.
It will give each of us an opportunity to say we knew them when.
Elliott Falcione is the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and can be reached at Elliott.Falcione@BACVB.com or 941-729-9177, ext. 3940.
This story was originally published October 1, 2017 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Local choir heading to Carnegie Hall needs community’s help."