The Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra has earned the incredible opportunity to perform in the world renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Due to the hard work and dedication of the ANHS Orchestra, their skill has been recognized by the New York Song Program, as they have been invited to compete alongside seven other schools from across the country in the famous Carnegie Hall.
Ayan Gursahani (12) is a senior in the ANHS Orchestra this year. He says, “Ïts definitely a good opportunity and it will push a bunch of the people to practice a lot more.”
The exciting announcement was first made during the Area Concert in January.
In order to be considered for the opportunity, the ANHS Orchestra had to first submit an application. The application included recordings of the orchestra’s audition tapes from past performances. Because of the orchestra’s skill, Aliso Niguel High School was offered a formal invitation, becoming one of eight schools invited to the event.
Before the Orchestra decided to attend, both players and their parents were surveyed to determine interest. In the end, both the players and their parents were excited for the chance to compete on such a well known stage, allowing the ANHS Orchestra to officially accept the invitation.
The event is set to take place in April 2026. The competition is at approximately the same time as next school year’s spring break.
The schedule, as well as the other schools that will be competing against the ANHS Orchestra have not been determined yet as the event is still more than a year in the future.
As a result of the competition being far in the future, the current Orchestra will not have the same players at the event. This current school year’s seniors will have the ability to perform with the ANHS Orchestra even though they have already graduated; however, the seniors will likely leave numerous spots open.
In order to fill these spots, Mr. Chen the Orchestra Director will be hosting tryouts for next year’s incoming freshmen.
Mr. Chen had a similar experience when he was in eighth grade. He participated in a similar program which gave him the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall.
Mr. Chen said, “I remember the experience and wanted to bring that to my students.”
The Orchestra Director is glad that he can give his students the opportunity to experience the thrill of performing in such a famous setting.
Carnegie Hall is one of the most well established performing arts centers in the world. Its signature and beautiful architecture, paired with its interior acoustics have made it one of the most coveted performance venues for more than a century.
Artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and The Beatles have shared the space, performing a wide range of different musical genres.
The chance to perform in the famous Carnegie Hall is a great honor for all types of musical artists.
The Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra’s hard work has given them the honor of playing in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in April 2026.
