Carnegie Hall

On June 29, 2009, the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras made the debut at the world-famous Carnegie Hall. Recently, students reflected on this once in a lifetime experience.

“The Carnegie Hall trip was a great experience for me as a student musician. Playing in the prestigious hall gave me a feeling of validation and accomplishment that can be matched by nothing else. Visiting New York City for the first time was also exciting.”

“It felt wonderful playing in such a distinguished hall. The cruise afterward was lovely and the time spent together was nice. Loved it!”

“One word: incredible. The best concert GNOYO has ever played was Carnegie Hall. I not only had the opportunity to play in a beautiful and historic place, but I met so many new friends who share the same love of music as me. I would love to do it again.”

Mike Rihner, bandleader of award-winning New Orleans jazz fusion group “Rhino,” said, “It is fitting that the future musical leaders of New Orleans music and culture, the talented members of GNOYO premiere my New Orleans Suite in Carnegie Hall. This was not only a great musical event for me, but a national showcase of the young musical talent in New Orleans and a musical tribute to some of the beautiful things that makes New Orleans such a great place to live.” View the article on nola.com