Cal State East Bay Professor and Students Set to Perform at Carnegie Hall
- BY Adelina Elo
- March 22, 2023
As one of the world's premiere concert venues, Carnegie Hall has hosted the likes of George Gershwin, the Beatles, and Yo-Yo Ma. On April 23, Professor of Music and Department Chair, Buddy James along with 30 Cal State East Bay music students will join its prestigious ranks by performing there during MidAmerica Productions’ historic 40th season.
The Road to Carnegie Hall
It all started with a call from MidAmerica, one of the foremost independent producers of choral concerts for the venue, inviting James to be a guest conductor.
An invitation like this is usually extended to those who have reached a certain level of success and experience, such as performing at state, regional, and national conferences or being nominated by peers.
James was an obvious candidate. As Rachel H. Kimura — one of the East Bay Singers ensemble members performing — said, “[Buddy] has such a prestigious background, has performed with choirs all around the world, and conducted so many things.”
A Performance of ‘Light’
The concert will take place on Sunday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the largest performance space at Carnegie Hall, the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, which seats about 2,804.
The piece that James and his students will perform is called “Lux Aeterna,” or eternal light, written by Morten Lauridsen, a former professor of James’ at the University of Southern California. Its overarching theme is everlasting optimism in the face of hardship.
A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience
This theme of light shines through as James and his students embark on this life-changing opportunity.
“Every musician in the classical world dreams of performing at Carnegie Hall,” said James. “It’s a pinnacle achievement to receive an invitation, but even more so because I get to bring current and former students along with me. It’s a dream come true.”
Kimura also expressed their excitement.
“Carnegie Hall is such a great opportunity,” Kimura said. “I’ve never left California, and to perform music in this venue and have the capacity to affect a large audience is one of those really big deals.”
According to the director of development for the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS), Jen Ripley, the total cost of the trip has partly been funded by Cal State East Bay and philanthropic supporters.
When asked why it’s important that the students' costs be covered as much as possible, James said, “Many of the students are from underrepresented communities and have never even flown on a plane, and now we have the opportunity to expand their worldview.”
He goes on to say, “By making the Carnegie Hall trip as easy as possible for the students, we can change the trajectory of the students’ confidence and put wind in their sails.”
An Opportunity for Alumni
This is a chance for alumni and friends of Cal State East Bay to connect. The CSUEB Alumni Engagement & University Events team is organizing an intimate gathering before the concert in New York City within blocks of Carnegie Hall.
Alumni Brunch
Sunday, April 23 | 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Redeye Grill | 890 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Located across the street from Carnegie Hall
Limit to 30 attendees only
Registration must be made by April 19
