Written By: Kayla Rosen and Lila Al-Omoush

Every winter, the Festival Chorus brings together singers from across generations for a powerful musical experience. Held at Rye Presbyterian Church, the concert unites the Upper School Choir with parents, alumni, faculty, and community members of all ages. Rehearsing and performing side by side creates a sense of connection that extends beyond the school itself. After the performance, a parent lunch allows singers and audience members to continue building those connections through conversation and shared reflection.

Festival Chorus is committed to performing meaningful and thought-provoking music. In previous years, the choir has performed Considering Matthew Shepard, a deeply moving work that tells the story of a young gay college student who was murdered in Wyoming. According to Choir Captain Dominique Alvarez ‘26, “pieces like this challenge singers to engage emotionally while confronting themes of compassion, justice, and humanity.” The scale and intensity of these works fill the church with sound, creating an unforgettable experience for both performers and audience members. 

The Festival Chorus is led by Music Department Chair and Choir Director Ms. Marcell, whose passion for meaningful music shapes each year’s program. This year’s Festival Chorus concert will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 3pm and marks the 31st annual performance, featuring more than 130 voices. The program will include A Vision Unfolding by Kyle Pederson, along with several shorter works. Ms. Marcell says that this piece seeks “to envision what our culture could be like if we focus on compassion, freedom, inclusivity, and justice.”

Festival Choir is about community and joy. Under Ms. Marcell’s dedicated leadership, singers of all experience levels find fulfillment in learning challenging music in a supportive and fun environment. While rehearsals are demanding, they are also energizing, and the final performance reflects the collective effort and enthusiasm of everyone involved. Festival Choir is more than a concert; it is a celebration of music and connection, as voices across generations strike the right chord together.