Carnegie Hall Performance Marks Career Milestone for Rick Hoffenberg

Professor Rick Hoffenberg recently made his conducting debut at Carnegie Hall, leading a performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms alongside conductor Lynn Brinckmeyer, who conducted John Rutter’s Gloria. The performance brought together singers and musicians from across the country, including several members of the Marywood University community and alumni, making the experience both professionally and personally meaningful.

Participants included Dr. Jennifer Cowgill, Beatrice Chindemi, Andrea Ashline, Kyra Phair, Dominique Ferraro, Gabriel Jenceleski, Susan Burns, Tina Kellar, Paige Morgan, Ellen Rutkowski, and Laura Santoski. Many described the performance as a once in a lifetime experience and reflected on the significance of sharing the stage under Hoffenberg’s direction.

“What an awesome experience this turned out to be after preparing for it for the past year,” said Jessica Brown, who participated in the performance. “It felt like such a full-circle moment getting to sing under Dr. Hoffenberg’s direction again after college. I’m so proud and honored to know him. He deserved this and did a phenomenal job.”

Kyra Phair also reflected on the impact of the performance and Hoffenberg’s leadership. “This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity of singing at Carnegie Hall with the Marywood University Concert Choir,” she shared. “Thank you to Rick Hoffenberg for presenting me with the opportunity, your marvelous conducting, and taking such care in teaching us the music so we’d be as prepared as possible.”

Others echoed similar sentiments following the performance. “Performance of a lifetime,” shared Beatrice Chindemi. “So proud of Rick Hoffenberg. Wouldn’t want to perform with anyone else.”

The concert marked a milestone in Hoffenberg’s career while also highlighting the lasting connections and musical opportunities fostered through Marywood’s music program.