Regis University Singers preparing to perform at Carnegie Hall this spring

The Regis University Singers are set to perform this spring at Carnegie Hall, putting themselves in the company of renowned artists who have performed at the famous venue — from Tchaikovsky to Mahler and Judy Garland to the Beatles.  

The performance, set for April 6, will feature the orchestral premiere of Music Program Director and Professor Loretta Notareschi’s Climate Mass. She composed the piece in collaboration with Associate Professor of English Alyse Knorr, who wrote a poem to accompany text from the traditional Latin Mass.  

For the performance, a group of Regis choir members, including students and community members, will be joined by the New England Symphonic Ensemble and Regis’ collaborative pianist Teresa Crane. The performance is held in collaboration with MidAmerica Productions, a music company that works with artists across the country to bring them to Carnegie Hall for performances. Raul Dominguez, Regis’ former director of choral activities, will conduct.   

As the music department prepares for the performance, members are working on raising money to cover the expenses of the student performers. The department will host Songfest! from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 18 in the Claver Recital Hall. During the performance, attendees may sponsor students for a performance. The money will go to the students individually. 

“The challenge is trying to raise the money,” said Michael Ballard, director of choral activities. “That's the preparation right now, making sure that people aren't missing out because of the financial aspect.” 

Notareschi said the idea for the performance started when Dominguez, the former director of choral activities, asked her to compose a song for the annual Regis Resounds concert, which is hosted annually by the music department. Climate Mass, which was commissioned by the Office of Mission, draws from Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ which calls upon Catholics to care for the Earth as it faces an unprecedented environmental crisis. 

Dominguez, who has partnered with MidAmerica Productions in the past, asked Notareschi if she would be interested in premiering the song at Carnegie Hall. The answer was an easy yes.

For Notareschi, the performances of Climate Mass are the culmination of nearly two years of preparation alongside Knorr. While the song will have its orchestral premiere at Carnegie Hall in April, the choir will perform the regional piano premiere of Climate Mass on Feb. 25 at Regis.   

 “We developed the idea together,” she said. “I drafted some music … and then asked her to write words that were sort of related to that music, which she was able to do. And then we both talked about Laudato Si’ and what resonated with us about it.”

Third-year Regis student Maddie Parker, a psychology major and music minor, said the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall is exciting for her whole family. Plus, the visit to New York will provide the chance to participate in other creative endeavors.

“My whole family is (made up of) musicians and so, that's something that's really cool for my family in general,” she said. “I've done theater for as long as I can remember, so I'm excited to see a Broadway show.” 

During the trip, the students will take in the sights of New York, visiting not only Carnegie Hall and Broadway but also Ellis Island, Times Square and Central Park — “the all-encompassing New York experience,” Ballard said.

“I'm just really excited to be working with students,” Notareschi said. “It's really great to have students be part of a premiere because then they get to see that process.” 

If you’re interested in supporting the performers, please visit https://give.regis.edu/campaigns/21516/donations/new and select Music Program as you donate. Additionally, hear students discuss the ways the performance will impact them.