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Lauralton singers set for NYC concert

Posted on Dec 11, 2007

by Frank Juliano, December 11, 2007
©2007CONNECTICUT POST (Used with permission)

MILFORD — Members of Lauralton Hall's elite choral groups are excited — but not nervous — about their concert this evening at Lincoln Center in New York City. 

After all, they've already sung for an audience of national dignitaries, including President Bush, during last spring's 400th anniversary celebration of the Jamestown colony in Virginia. The venue for their latest concert is prestigious, several of the young women said Monday, but they are prepared.

"We were singing Christmas carols in October, getting ready for this," said Samantha Free, a senior from Stamford.

Lauralton's Advanced Vocal Ensemble, which was selected to represent Connecticut at the Jamestown celebration, will be performing several selections by themselves, and some with a boys' choir from Fairfield Prep, organizers said. The advanced ensemble, which draws its members through auditions, will also share the stage at times with Lauralton Hall's Concert Choir. That group is open to all students at the college preparatory school for girls here.
"We look for the best voices and also singers who have a lot of personality," said Margy Sargent, Lauralton Hall's music director. "You want singers who can express the music, who can put it across to the audience."

Among those selected for the elite choir are Amanda Rodrigues, a sophomore from Monroe, and Molly Riddles, a junior from Westport.

"I've wanted to be in AVE since freshman year, but it is not open to freshmen," said
Rodrigues, one of the youngest members of the group. "I've always been interested in theater and Broadway."

Riddles said the rehearsals, including one with the Fairfield Prep choir, have been helpful, but the Lauralton Hall faculty member is the key to the young women's preparations. "Sarge inspires us," the student from Westport said.

Sister Janice May, a longtime administrator at the Catholic high school, said the AVE and the combined choirs perform at prayer services and Masses. "They all have angelic voices," May said.

Tonight's concert in Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall is sponsored by PerformAmerica Inc. and will showcase elite high school choirs from the tri-state area. Tickets are $30 and a limited number will be available at the door.

For those not able to make it into New York, the Lauralton Hall choirs will perform a free holiday concert Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Parsons Center auditorium on West River Street. A donation of nonperishable food items for needy families will be accepted at the door.



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