Distinguished Concerts International in New York City announced today that Ms. Pamela McClain and the Parkersburg High School A Cappella Choir have been invited to participate in a performance of Brahms’ Nanie and Amy Beach’s Festival Jubilate in the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, April 17, 2010. Members of the choir will join members of the Ohio State University Chorus to form the Distinguished Concert Singers International, a choir of distinction, accompanied by a full professional orchestra. Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt, Ohio State Dean of Choral Studies, will conduct the performance as well as serve as the clinician for the residency.

Dr. Jonathan Griffith, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for the Distinguished Concerts International stated: “The Parkersburg High School A Cappella Choir received this invitation after having won the Heritage Festivals Choral Competition last April in the Riverside Church in Upper Manhattan, NYC. Dr. Griffith commented that the choir has demonstrated the quality and high level of musicianship required to perform in such a spectacular venue. These wonderful musicians not only represent the highest standard of music education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support.”

The singers will spend 5 days and 4 nights in New York City in preparation for their concert. “The singers will spend approximately 9-10 hours in rehearsals over the 5 day residency,” says Griffith. “Not all of the time is spent in rehearsals, since there is so much history and culture to see in New York City. However, the performance in Carnegie Hall is the primary purpose for their visit to the city.” While in New York City, the choir plans to honor the memory of former A Cappella Choir member, Mary Lou Hague, by singing at Ground Zero. Members of the community are encouraged to give financial support in sending these outstanding singers to Carnegie Hall by contacting Ms. Pamela McClain at (304) 420-9595, ext. 180 or by mailing donations marked: PHS Choral Parents, Inc., c/o Pamela McClain, 2101 Dudley Ave., Parkersburg, WV. 26101.

The Carnegie Hall Concert will be a ticketed event open to the public. A reception honoring the combined choirs of Ohio State University and Parkersburg High School will be held at the famous Tavern on the Green Restaurant in New York City following the concert. Ms. McClain states, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any choir. We are thrilled to be invited and will represent our school and community with professionalism and pride.” “The choir students are in need of financial support to see this dream come to fruition. We know our city is a great supporter of the fine arts and will help us reach our goal.”