Choraleers director makes Carnegie Hall
Canyon Lake Choraleers Director Lorilee Bajema has dreamed of taking the stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City. It’s a dream no more.
Lorilee’s group, The Lorilee Singers, performed on the legendary stage on Monday as part of “The Armed Man” by Sir Karl Jenkins, a living composer from Wales.
Lorilee’s group is comprised of singers from ensembles in Southern California, including some from the Canyon Lake Choraleers. Those from the Choraleers who went to New York are Christal Baker, Sandra Baker, Bob Derse, Karen Morris and Bruce Morris and Sue Tatro.
“The Armed Man” was not all that was performed Monday. Another 200 singers performed pieces taken from Stabat Mater and Songs of Sanctuary (including world-famous ‘Adiemus’) for a Jenkins-filled concert. Sir Karl himself attended the concert, which was quite fitting since the concert celebrated the composer’s 80th birthday.
Canyon Lake Choraleers Director Lorilee Bajema performs with her Lorilee Singers on the famed stage at Carnegie Hall in New York on Monday. The opportunity was a dream come true.
It has been Lorilee’s personal dream to meet Sir Karl and perform “The Armed Man.” To do so in Carnegie Hall was icing on the cake.
“I purchased the director’s score some years ago, knowing one day I would conduct it,” Lorilee said. “Meanwhile, I’m thrilled to have joined forces with DCINY (Distinguished Concerts International of New York) to perform it alongside 200 other voices. It was epic. And of course, I brought along my score for Sir Karl to sign.”
Canyon Lake Choraleers Director Lorilee Bajema meets renowned composer Sir Karl Jenkins at the composer’s “The Armed Man” performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Photos provided by Lorilee Bajema