URI Choir Performs at Carnegie Hall WIth Donor Support

Bright lights, big city.

Twenty-one URI students, as members of the URI Concert Choir, took advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they traveled to New York City to perform at the famed Carnegie Hall last May.

Renowned for its architectural distinction and beauty, as well as its history and acoustics, Carnegie Hall is among the most famous venues for classical and popular music in the country and world.

Under the expert direction of Mark Conley, director of choral activities for URI, the students joined with members of several other choirs from around the country, filling the famous stage and performing in front of a large audience.  A jam-packed two-day trip filled with rehearsals and some New York City site-seeing culminated with the performance described as “unbelievable” by URI student Carey Shunskis, a senior from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.

Andrew St. George, currently a junior from East Providence, Rhode Island, also participated.  “To think that the famous musicians and performers you look up and study have stood on that very same stage to perform is incredible,” he said.  “And for us – students-- to get that chance so soon.  It was just great.”

Shunskis, who has performed with the choir in Italy and other exciting locations, said, “Carnegie Hall was by far the best.  It was amazing...the epitome of my college experience!”

Private funds from the Richard Beaupre Hope and Heritage Fund, supporting the College of Arts and Sciences, made this unique opportunity possible.