Triumphant Carnegie Hall Debut for The Royal Conservatory Orchestra
Triumphant Carnegie Hall Debut for The Royal Conservatory Orchestra
Published on May 9, 2024
In a sold-out performance, students of The Glenn Gould School were led by Maestro Peter Oundjian and joined by acclaimed pianist and RCM inaugural Artist-in-Residence, Stewart Goodyear
Thunderous applause and a standing ovation greeted the Royal Conservatory Orchestra Tuesday night at the conclusion of their first ever performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The RCO, students of the Temerty Orchestral Program at The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School, performed a program of works by Kelly-Marie Murphy, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky under the baton of RBC Guest Conductor, Peter Oundjian, featuring acclaimed pianist Stewart Goodyear, the Royal Conservatory’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence, also making his Carnegie Hall debut.
We are immensely proud of the extraordinary level of music making achieved by our students in their stunning debut at Carnegie Hall. This is one of the great stages of the world, and our students performed magnificently. We would like to thank the many people involved in making this debut a reality including our donors, faculty and staff. Tuesday was an incredibly proud and historic moment for not only The Royal Conservatory, but also for Canada.
Dr. Peter Simon and Alexander Brose
President & CEO and President Designate, The Royal Conservatory
The evening began with an homage to RCM alumnus, Glenn Gould. Canadian composer Kelly-Marie Murphy was at Carnegie Hall to hear Maestro Oundjian lead the orchestra through her piece, Curiosity, Genius, and the Search for Petula Clark.
This was followed by Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor”) with RCM inaugural Artist-in-Residence, Stewart Goodyear. Mr. Goodyear received a standing ovation following his magnificent performance in his Carnegie Hall debut.
The RCO is widely regarded as one of the best training orchestras in North America and they proved why after their stunning performance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in the back half. The crowd leapt to their feet as the final notes floated into the air with wildly enthusiastic cheers and thunderous applause.
Said James Anagnoson, Dean of The Glenn Gould School, “This marks the first time in The Glenn Gould School’s 27-year history that our students have performed at Carnegie Hall, and they proved that they were ready. Their inspired performance was of the highest calibre and a testament to their extremely high standard of excellence.”
Since opening in 1891, Carnegie Hall has been an aspirational destination for the world’s finest artists. The Hall’s unique history is rooted in its outstanding acoustics and an honour roll of artists representing the finest of every music genre who have filled the esteemed venue throughout the years.
The Royal Conservatory Orchestra’s debut at the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall was sponsored by Rayla and George Myhal, as well as by Robert W. Corcoran, and Tim and Frances Price. Additional support for the students provided by Mary Jean and Frank Potter. The Royal Conservatory gratefully acknowledges their generosity.