St. Margaret’s Student Musicians Perform at Carnegie Hall During Prestigious New York Performance Residency

Forty-four Upper School musicians recently took their talents to one of the world’s most renowned stages, performing at Carnegie Hall as part of a prestigious New York City performance residency that combined professional-level performance with immersive arts education.

The St. Margaret’s student ensemble delivered a concert on the Ronald O. Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall, representing St. Margaret’s in a nationally recognized program designed to challenge young musicians through high-level artistic collaboration and performance.

A highlight of the evening was the Carnegie Hall premiere of “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, giving students the rare distinction of debuting a new work on an international stage.

Band Director Chris Carbajal described the experience as a defining moment for the performers.

“This was an event that these performers will tell their grandchildren about,” Carbajal said. “Our students really understood just how special this moment was.”

Beyond the performance itself, the performance residency provided students with a broader educational experience, emphasizing independence, collaboration and artistic growth in a professional environment.

Director of the Arts Dan Pacheco said the experience extended well beyond the concert hall.

“Our Carnegie Hall experience was unforgettable, from the thrill of performing on a world-renowned stage to seeing our students surpass expectations with extraordinary sound, poise, and musical maturity,” Mr. Pacheco said. “As we sailed past the New York skyline after the concert, I reflected on what this means for our students: memories and achievements they’ll carry for a lifetime. Moments like these become part of their story.”

In addition to performing, students engaged with New York City’s cultural landscape, attending the acclaimed production of Buena Vista Social Club and visiting landmark sites including Lincoln Center, Times Square, Rockefeller Center’s “Top of the Rock,” Radio City Music Hall, and Central Park. The group also shared in a lighthearted culinary tradition, sampling New York pizza—including, by student account, 22 whole pies at John’s Pizzeria.

The performance residency reflects St. Margaret’s ongoing commitment to providing transformative arts opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom and into real-world, professional settings.