Vocal Ensemble at Carnegie Gala June 28-July 2, 2024
Application Deadline
December 16, 2023 at 4:59:00 AM
Come to New York for three days to immerse yourself in music-making, together with an international group of musicians, under the tutelage of Justin T. Pomietlarz, conductor, USA.
Rehearse masterpieces by the greatest composers and perform a program on the world-renowned stage of the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
Receive an archival, professional-quality video of your performance at Carnegie Hall.
Participate in an interview for media.
Tour the most well-known conservatories in the world.
Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow musicians from around the world, taking home lasting memories and friendships.
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Important dates:
December 15, 2023 - Deadline to apply with a video of your choosing
January 15, 2024 - Deadline to register for LIVE Audition (for those who are invited based on their video submission)
February 19-23, 2024 - Live Auditions. Broadcast on video and social platforms. Meet the Director. Streaming technology seminar in preparation to your Audition.
June 28 - July 2, 2024 - rehearsals and concert at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City
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Who can apply? You need to be between age 15-20. Check the repertory which this Laureate Ensemble will perform at the Carnegie Hall and make sure you are up for the challenge!
In addition to a once-in-a-life-time experience, all participants receive:
- Carnegie Hall Archival DIGITAL VIDEO of their performance (see Regulations for acceptable uses as per by Carnegie Hall rules)
Medals, Certificates
Full color Concert Program brochure (digital and printed) with their short bio and picture
Complimentary Performer's ticket
Group Interview for media, broadcast on social and video platforms
Concert Photos
Letters of recommendation and other support is provided upon request for applying for grants, colleges,
other programs, competitions, auditions
Tuition cost: $870 (travel and accommodations not included)
Inquire about affordable dorm-style accommodations in Manhattan, NY
If you require a US visa - we provide visa support and can send you confirmation documents for the US Consulate
Application Process
- Submit an Application form by the DEADLINE December 15, 2023
Upload video of any piece (with or without accompaniment). YouTube link or Google Drive link
Application fee $60
Selected musicians will be invited to audition live on a public Internet broadcast* and will receive a tech session with VCHS Broadcast Engineers.
You must prepare the excerpts for the Live Audition (download below)
You will meet the Director of the Laureate Ensemble during your Live Audition.
Live auditions are judged in real time.
Judges provide participants with immediate on-air feedback.
During the live audition participants will be able to speak with Judges.
• The judges’ decisions are final and may not be contested.
• To participate in the live online auditions, each musician must prepare required technical setup
Live Audition Fee $100 includes the tech preparation session with A/V and Broadcast engineers
You will be notified about your acceptance into the Laureate Ensemble at Carnegie Gala program
Typical Schedule
Saturday, June 29th
Rehearsal at 7:00pm - 9:00pm Sunday, June 30th
Rehearsals at 9:00am - 11:30 am;
1:00 pm - 4:00pm
7:00 - 9:00 pm (let out early as necessary)
Monday, July 1st
Rehearsal at 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Dress Rehearsal and soundcheck TBA at WRH
Concert 7:00 pm at WRH
July 2 - Depart
Program to be presented at Carnegie Hall
Program will be posted soon!
You will need to prepare these Excerpts
for the LIVE Audition Round
Watch below the pieces which Directors chose for the
Laureate Ensembles at Carnegie Program
Meet the Director
Justin T. Pomietlarz, conductor
Currently, in his 18th year of teaching at Amherst Central High School, Justin T. Pomietlarz serves as Director of Choral Activities and the Producer/Vocal Music Director of the Amherst Operetta Association.
He was recently the recipient of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra/Erie County Music Educators Association (ECMEA) “Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award,” and previously was recognized as the 2013 Amherst PTSA "Outstanding HS Educator of the Year." He has been selected as Teacher of the Month numerous times, and is also listed in “Who’s Who of American Teachers.”
As producer and musical director of the Amherst Operetta, he has led ambitious award-winning productions including Sweeney Todd, TITANIC, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, SEUSSICAL: the Musical and Urinetown: the Musical to name a few. In 2018, ACHS students recently nominated Mr. Pomietlarz for the “Excellence in Theatre Education Award,” sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University and presented each year by the Tony Awards.
Under his direction, the Amherst Concert Chorale has appeared at Carnegie Hall with Choirs of America and MidAmerica Productions, and locally with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, the Camerata di Sant' Antonio, the Orchard Park Symphony and the Amherst Symphony Orchestras. He also serves as the Chair of the ECMEA Senior High All-County Honors Mixed Chorus and accompanist and former chair of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Zone I Area All-State Treble Chorus.
Mr. Pomietlarz also serves as co-Music Director and Choirmaster of the historic Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Buffalo, where he conducts the semi-professional Chancel Choir, the Chapel Choir and oversees the Concert and Youth Choir programs. He studied piano with Robert Jordan and choral conducting with Gerald Gray and Donald Lang at SUNY Fredonia, with subsequent post-graduate study with William Weinert (Eastman SOM), Janet Galvan (Ithaca College) and workshops with, most notably, Dennis Keene and Craig Hella Johnson.
Fees
Application Fee - $60
Live Audition Fee - $100
Tuition - $870