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History Lesson Put to Music--Lauralton Hall to perform in celebration

Posted on Apr 09, 2007

By Meg Barone, April 5, 2007

Photo Credit: Phil Noel
©2007CONNECTICUT POST (Used with permission)

Queen Elizabeth II and President Bush are on the guest list for a May 13 concert celebrating the 400th anniversary of an early American settlement, and singers from the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall in Milford are among the performers in the Virginia show. 

The school's Advanced Vocal Ensemble is the only Connecticut group selected to participate in the historic event in Jamestown, Va.

Only 48 of the 78 ensemble singers will make the trip. Music Director Margy Sargent could not bring everyone because organizers of the event had a specific number in mind.

Organizers created a 1,607-voice choir, commemorating the year 1607 when the first permanent English colony was settled in the New World, 13 years before pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. The choir, comprising singers from throughout the United States, will conclude the America's 400th Anniversary Weekend performing in Anniversary Park with a 400-piece orchestra.

"It's going to be very exciting because we get to sing for the queen of England and the president of the United States. Not many people in their life can say that," said Kate Hope, 15, of Milford, an alto.

"It's exciting not only because we will be representing our country and singing songs about our country, but we'll be able to see where it actually began," said Amanda Doerr, 18, a soprano from Milford. Doerr said she looks forward to the tours of various historical sites and a side trip to Busch Gardens. "Our schedule is jam packed," Doerr said.

"The fact that we're going to represent the whole state is really cool and it's a nice way to remember our senior year," said Emily Nolan, 17, an alto from Milford, speaking on behalf of the seniors in the ensemble.

The trip marks the first time in the history of the Advanced Vocal Ensemble that the group is performing outside the state. "For this to be the first trip is such an honor. It'll be hard to top," Sargent said.

The group began rehearsing in January for the concert of mostly patriotic music, which will include "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Gold Bless America," "America the Beautiful," "Deep River," and "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor."

"Some of the music is challenging. You need a lot of energy for it," said Kate LaBella, 18, an alto from Shelton.

Not only is it physically demanding, Nolan said, but there is an added challenge of learning all the music without having all the voice parts represented.



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