April 14, 2026 by Melissa Sweeney 129

Lasting Memories – Carnegie Hall 2026

An unforgettable experience was had by members of DCC who spent the weekend in New York City, prepping for and performing in a world premiere performance at Carnegie Hall. “Franklin,” by long time DCC friend Z. Randall Stroope was premiered Saturday, April 11, 2026 under the direction of the talented Dr. Pearl Shangkuan.

Here from participants about their experience:

From the moment we learned about the invitation last year, I didn’t even realize this was a dream I was allowed to have until it was offered. I’ve always been a performer — instrumental, singing, dance — not great at any of it, but it’s where my heart feels most at home. Carnegie Hall always felt like a place for people far beyond my level, the truly extraordinary. And now my name, and the names of my fellow choir members, are forever part of the history and story of Carnegie Hall, alongside the giants who came before us and the ones still to come. It’s a rare kind of opportunity, but accessible, this choir is such a special place and space to experience it with. Pearl mentioned in rehearsal that while she may have been a teacher, however, in this room we are all artists together — bringing this piece to life for the very first time, anywhere. We went from rough autotune tracks to full vocals and orchestra. We’re the YouTube video choirs will someday search to ask, “How did they do it?” and “What does this really sound like?” And we really did do it. My sister said, “So John Adams had some beef with Benji.” I said yes, and she replied, “I felt that.” Even strangers at a diner after the show — they saw me carrying the score — shared their congratulations. We were a tapestry of America, reaching back to our roots to honor a man whose influence still shapes the way we live today. – Michelle Buzzelli, Soprano

To have been part of the 200 member multi-generational choral group singing a masterwork by Dr Stroope in such an iconic venue as Carnegie Hall was something I’ll cherish. To have done it with nearly 20 of the DCC singers was extra special. It was a special honor to have a chance to listen to Dr Stroope share his thoughts as he addressed the group following the Friday rehearsal. So appreciated was the fact that he took the time from his busy schedule to answer questions from the group and to personally sign our scores. To sit under the direction of Dr. Pearl Shangkuan’s strict leadership was a special treat. I appreciated her attention to detail. She held the group to extremely high standards and the choir responded in kind. To hear a loud “Amen” from a gentleman in the audience after the second movement says it all! I’m sad it’s over. – Linda Perrine, Soprano

Performing at the legendary Carnegie Hall with the Deer Creek Chorale for the world premiere of Z. Randall Stroope’s ‘Franklin’ was an unforgettable highlight of my musical journey. From the moment we stepped onto the stage, the hall felt warm and strangely familiar, like a déjà vu. Under the masterful guidance of conductor Pearl Shangkuan, the choir connected energetically as one, pouring our hearts into this powerful patriotic piece written for America’s 250th anniversary. Meeting the composer and learning the inspiring story behind ‘Franklin’ made the evening even more special. I am deeply grateful to the entire Deer Creek Chorale family for this opportunity to grow musically and spiritually together, especially through challenging times, and for sharing such beautiful music with the world. – Susana Goff, Soprano

It was fabulous to stand on those amazing risers and look out at a grand audience. They were fully engaged and appreciative. And it was encouraging to be recognized after the performance and congratulated. It was pretty incredible. – Mary Sue Shaw, Soprano

There is a double-edged-sword kind of quality to being part of such an intensely unique experience as a world premiere on a world-renowned stage. I share all the wonder and awe and gratitude of the other performers and audience members who had this privilege. I also feel sorry that we aren’t actually able to share this music outside of that evening, at least not yet. There are a lot of ear worms from Dr. Stroope’s piece that we won’t be able to fully relive or demonstrate to others until someone records and shares it sometime in the future! But that pulls the ephemeral nature of this aural art into focus and brings us to appreciate it all the more. I also deeply appreciated the research and history that went into “Franklin” and came away with much more knowledge and curiosity about the man than I did going in. I thought I knew a lot about him already, but he’s an incredible subject for continual study! One final thought: what an absolute delight to hear such polished and beautiful singing from so many humans of so many ages and backgrounds during the concert. If that is any indication, I think choral singing in this country will be healthy and strong and vital for years to come. – Wendy Scheinberg, Soprano

A rewarding and enriching simply magical choral experience!!! I was honored to make history with you all!! – Janet Flood-Cole, Soprano

I am still reflecting on what an extraordinary experience it was to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York City alongside members of my choir. From the first rehearsal to the final note, the entire journey felt both humbling and exhilarating. It was a true honor to be led by Dr. Pearl Shangkuan, whose artistry and leadership brought out the very best in all of us. Under her direction, we had the privilege of performing the premiere of Franklin, composed by Dr. Randall Z. Stroope. The collaboration between conductor, composer, and choir created something truly special—an experience that felt, in many ways, like participating in an Olympic-level masterwork. What made the performance especially meaningful for me was the depth of the text. The themes of a burning passion for justice and equality for all people and all nations resonated deeply. Coming from a family with immigrant roots spanning many places, these words felt personal. They reflected the values we hold dear—unity, dignity, and love across cultures. I was also profoundly moved by the section depicting the passing of Benjamin Franklin’s four-year-old son. Its simplicity carried such emotional weight, reminding me how powerful restraint can be in music. In contrast, the movement “Struck by a bolt of fate,” inspired by the creation of the lightning rod, felt vivid and cinematic. It was thrilling to sing, full of energy and dramatic intensity. Altogether, this experience was not only musically fulfilling but personally transformative. To stand in such a historic space, surrounded by passionate musicians, bringing a new work to life—it’s something I will carry with me always. – Phoebe Simlote, Soprano