Choral Society of West Georgia
Carnegie Hall and the West Georgia Choral Society
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Carnegie Hall Concert Event

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The Memorial Day weekend marked this much anticipated concert at Carnegie Hall. Under the direction of esteemed composer/conductor John Rutter, twelve singers represented the Choral Society of West Georgia (CSWG) in this project which has been “on hold” since 2019 due to the pandemic.

Pictured above are Front Row L to R: Ed Biggs, Melinda Mobley, Paula Sharp – CSWG President, Brenda Mitchell – CSWG Vice President, Mary Ann Smoot, Lauren Collins, Samantha Cotton.  Back Row L to R: Barbara Hart, Dana Langford, Bettie Biggs – CSWG Artistic Director, Mark Ladd, Corrye Mobley

Over 200 American singers gathered in New York City for rehearsals and final concert performance in Carnegie Hall under the direction of Dr. Rutter. The music included two moving pieces of music. They were Dr. Rutter’s Requiem, which was dedicated to his father and written in 1986, along with his newly composed Ukranian Prayer, which he recently wrote in response to the horrific Russian attack on Ukraine.

CSWG Artistic Director Bettie Biggs described the event as a glorious, profound and uplifting experience personally, professionally, spiritually and certainly musically. It was most certainly a “night to remember” for all of us.

To listen to a sample recording of Rutter’s recently composed Ukranian Prayer that opened the Carnegie Hall concert, CLICK HERE.

Here are some images shared from the event.

John Rutter in rehearsal with the 200 voice choir that performed under his direction at Carnegie Hall.
Callaway HS choral director Samantha Cotton with Maestro John Rutter prior to the first rehearsal….he kindly autographed her music which is what she’s holding.
Soprano Barbara Hart onstage before the dress rehearsal in Carnegie Hall.
Looking out into the hall prior to dress rehearsal
Dana Langford and Bettie Biggs onstage prior to performance.
Barbara Hart with Maestro Rutter prior to first rehearsal!
Photo from the stage looking out into Carnegie prior to dress rehearsal.
Another view of the iconic hall from the stage.
Post concert jubilation!
Samantha Cotton and Bettie Biggs
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