The last time the Ozarks Technical Community College choir was scheduled to perform in New York City was in March 2020.
“We were on our way to the airport, and the college called me and said, ‘Things are shutting down. You can’t go to New York,” said Alberta Smith, OTC choir director.
A little more than three years since that planned trip derailed due to COVID-19, the OTC choir is headed back to New York City. Eighteen students will perform with other choral singers worldwide at the historic Lincoln Center in David Geffen Hall.
“This allows our students to meet people from all over who do the same thing they do,” Alberta said. “This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students.”
Alberta Smith
OTC had to submit an audition performance to earn this opportunity. They will sing the works of famed composer and musician Eric Whitacre, and he will conduct the chorus. Whitacre is a Grammy award winner. He is known for his groundbreaking Virtual Choirs, which have united thousands of singers from more than 100 countries over the last decade.
“He’s a big deal. He worked on the ‘Lion King,’” said Damien Thousand, OTC choir student. “If you’ve ever heard any of his songs, they are special.”
The choir will have two rehearsals with Whitacre before their public performance in the same venue where the New York Philharmonic plays. Plus, the students will have plenty of time to enjoy New York culture. They will see two Broadway shows and an opera and take in all the sights.
“I’ve never been to New York City, so I’m really excited,” said Hannah Grandon, OTC choir student. “I look forward to seeing the Broadway shows and the opera and doing touristy things like the top of the Empire State Building.”
The OTC choir will be in New York from April 14-18. Their performance at Lincoln Center is Monday, April 17, at 7 p.m.