Annabelle Kominsky, a freshman at Bensalem High School, was selected for the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.
Opened in 1891, Carnegie Hall is best known for its interior, elliptical shape, extended stage and domed ceiling, which produces a sound that can’t be compared to other music halls.
Kominsky performed soprano in front of the public on Nov. 10 with the Honors Choir. Participation in the Honors Ensemble is limited to the highest-rated young performers from around the world. Kominsky, whose current program of study is in the Visual, Performance and Communication Academy at Bensalem High School, auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was recently accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board.
Kominsky has been singing in choirs since she was in second grade at Valley Elementary School and is now a member of the freshman chorus at BHS. At Carnegie, she was excited to learn more vocal skills and sing on such a grand stage. She enjoys music and is also passionate about art, especially drawing.
In her 250-word essay as part of the application process, Kominsky said, “Choir and singing has always been a tradition on my mother’s side of the family. As a soprano, I’d like to carry on my family’s passion for music and the arts. My grandmother who passed away recently always wanted to go to New York to be a professional singer. I’m honored to follow in her footsteps and have her be proud of her granddaughter.”
Cecelia Snyder Middle School Choir director Patricia Merz said, “I was proud of Annabelle for performing in Snyder Middle School’s talent show and, hopefully, that will lead to more positive opportunities.”
Kominsky joined selected high school performers from around the world as they came together in New York for several days of rehearsals with renowned conductors, leading up to their life-changing performance at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. In addition to performance preparation, networking with peers and experiencing the Big Apple’s most iconic sights and performance arts were important parts of the trip.
“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series. “We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience these musicians will never forget.”
The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual student performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world-renowned venues. Visit honorsperformance.org for more information.
