By Lance Gaither

lance.gaither@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

The Danville High School Choir has hit the big time.

The choir has been invited to New York to sing at Carnegie Hall. The performance is schedule for April 13, 2024. The choir was recommended to Carnegie Hall by University of Kentucky professor Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, who will be conducting the performance.

“Dr. Wilson is a colleague of mine and someone I have known for a while,” said DHS Choir director Dee Ann Gray. “She has known my choirs, and she referred us. We are very excited.”

The students will be preforming “Iluminare” by composer Elaine Hagenberg

“The students are a little nervous, the music is all in Latin,” Gray said. “It is five songs along with an orchestra. We are going with Woodford County High School and Lexington Christian Academy. We are so excited, it is such a great opportunity for these kids to from Danville to New York City. Many of them have never been.”

The students are eager for the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall.

“I’m pumped,” said senior Isabelle Kernen. “It is a little overwhelming that out of all the other schools, we were chosen”

Others can’t believe they have the opportunity.

“It is surreal that we were chosen,” said junior Andrew Lamb.

Some hope it can’t be their big break.

“I hope I get noticed,” said junior London Jackson. “I have always wanted to live in New York.”

The students will be in New York City April 10- April 14. To help offset some of the cost of the trip, the choir is holding multiple fundraisers including car washes and sponsorships. On Dec. 8 a “Sweets and Songs” silent auction will be held at Danville High School’s Gravely Hall along side a performance by the choir and a plethora of deserts.