It’s quite an honor. The Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Varsity String Orchestra was invited to perform at perhaps the most famous venue in the world, New York’s Carnegie Hall on May 5. The only problem: physically getting a high school orchestra to Carnegie Hall is no cheap task. The total price tag of the opportunity of a lifetime is $70,000, and students have been working hard to raise funds via small and large gigs and finding corporate sponsorships. So far, they have raised $40,000.
To raise awareness of the fundraising effort, the Varsity String Orchestra will perform a free concert at Southern Methodist University’s Caruth Auditorium on January 21st. The performance will premiere Finestra for String Orchestra which was written by Booker T. sophomore Chase Dobson, who will also make his conducting debut at the concert. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s former concert master, Emanuel Borok, will also make an appearance. Here’s the release:
Booker T. Washington’s Varsity String Orchestra will debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 5th, 2012! The orchestra is performing a special Dallas Preview Concert in preparation for their Carnegie Hall performance and we want you to join us!
Saturday January 21, 2012
Southern Methodist University – Caruth Auditorium
7:30 p.m.This special concert will feature performances by the entire string orchestra and select student soloists. A highlight of the concert will be the premier of Finestra for String Orchestra composed and conducted by BTW sophomore Chase Dobson, which the orchestra will also perform on the Carnegie Hall stage.
Photo: Booker T. students perform at a fundraiser for their Carnegie Hall trip. (Photo via the Booker T. Washington High School Music Guild facebook page.)
