The Young People’s Chorus Lights Up New York with a Magnificent Holiday Program
On Sunday, December 10, The Young People’s Chorus began its holiday concert, “A Very Merry New York,” with 600 choristers on stage in Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. With the lights turned down and each singer holding a candle, their opening song, “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” found the sold out audience holding its breath and a few members wiping away tears. For the next two hours, the young singers, a diverse group hailing from all parts of New York City and ranging in age from eight to eighteen, provided something that has been in short supply these days – hope for the future.
Around the holidays, the Young People’s Chorus has become a familiar sight to New Yorkers, performing at high profile events that are televised, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center, and the Christmas Concert at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Those appearances often feature a smaller and older segment of the choristers. During this concert, the depth and breadth of the group was on full display. More than two dozen songs were performed with younger singers often joined by older ones. The pacing was impressive, with transitions between numbers managed with ease. Singing isn’t the only talent on display by these choristers. They move! Dance steps, arm gestures all heighten the visual enjoyment. Costumes are colorful as are the props – everything from streamers to lighted wands – adding to, but never distracting from, the actual performance.
Francisco Núñez with some of the YPC choristers (Photo credit: Stephanie Berger)
The Young People’s Chorus began as a dream by Francisco Núñez, who grew up in Washington Heights and learned to play on a piano bought by his mother at a Salvation Army. A piano prodigy, Núñez rehearsed and socialized with children from a wide range of backgrounds. That experience changed his life, and in 1988 he founded the Children’s Aid Society Chorus, knowing that music has the power to break down social barriers. By 1997, the group had become the Young People’s Chorus and began to earn a reputation for artistic excellence.
Photo credit: Stephanie Berger
In 2011, Núñez was named a MacArthur Fellow for “shaping the future of choral singing for children.” The group continues to amass awards. During a recent international tour, the group won five gold medals – three as World Champions – at the World Choir Games. Then the chorus returned to New York to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in the premiere of Jake Heggie’s masterpiece “Dead Man Walking.” Oh, and YPC’s feature-length holiday special, “Topsy Turvy New York,” won an Emmy Award at the 66th Annual New York Emmy gala held at the Marriott Marquis, on October 28.
Elizabeth Núñez with the YPC singers (Photo Credit: Stephanie Berger)
According to Núñez, 150 people now work behind the scenes with the YPC. Elizabeth Núñez, Francisco’s wife, is YPC’s creative director. On Sunday evening, besides Francisco and Elizabeth, other conductors included Maria C. Pena, Caitlin Henning, Emma H. Sway, Ahra Cho, Taylor Smith, and Juliet Freeman. The rapport between each conductor and the young performers was on full display. Not only did each group turn in a stellar performance, but they had fun! And that joy was infectious, with audience members clapping along and moving in their seats.
“Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” (Photo credit: Stephanie Berger)
Choreography by Jacquelyn Bird was impressive. A standout was the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” by Leon Jessel, arranged by Elizabeth Núñez. The number, reminiscent of the famous one performed by the Radio City Rockettes, came off without a misstep. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” also was a delight, with the singers miming each “gift” with hand, arm, and facial gestures. (Loved the flapping arms for the three French hens!)
Photo credit: Stephanie Berger
The diversity of the YPC was reflected in the program. Songs included: Kike Santander’s “Farolito” (“Little Star”); the traditional African spiritual, “Children Go Where I Send Thee”; Frode Fjellheim’s “Northern Lights” from “Norwegian Sami Songs”; and Eric Whitacre’s “Five Hebrew Love Songs.” There were also Holliday favorites: Jerry Herman’s “We Need a Little Christmas”from Mame; Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”; and Irving Berlin’s “Snow” from White Christmas.
Photo credit: Stephanie Berger
As the program approached the end, the audience was ready to join in singing popular carols, including “Deck the Halls.” Francisco reminded the audience that with the city facing serious cutbacks in school programs, donations are needed to support everything the YPC is doing, which now also includes the College Bound program, established in 2005, to provide academic enrichment, SAT/ACT support, and college admissions guidance to YPC’s teens.
In 2015, the YPC acquired a permanent home, a state-of-the-art facility located across from Lincoln Center. Besides providing rehearsal and study space, the space creates an after-school safe haven for young choristers with computer labs, classrooms, and a student lounge.
The YPC changes lives, not only those of the young people who participate, but the families who support their children. And that influence lasts long after the young singers have left the YPC and have gone on to college and careers. “Through participating in the YPC for nine years my daughter received an amazing musical education, and traveled for performances and choral competitions all over the world to Canada, England, Germany, and Japan,” said one mother whose daughter joined the YPC in 1998. “At YPC she made several lifelong friends!” She added: “I’m not surprised that Francisco has continued to expand the chorus with great success, given his dedication and charisma.”
Top photo: “Let There Be Peace on Earth” (Photo Credit: Stephanie Berger)
For more information on the YPC and to make a donation, go to the group’s website.
