Estherville, Iowa — An Ocheyedan college student is among two from northwest Iowa who will be performing this Sunday at Carnegie Hall.
Iowa Lakes Community College reports that two of their students have been selected to participate in The Great Christmas Ring at Carnegie Hall. Jada Duis and Brooklynn Erickson, members of the Iowa Lakes Handbell Ensemble, will travel to New York City to perform with other handbell musicians as part of Distinguished Concerts, International, New York’s annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah.
A limited number of individuals have been selected for this truly special invitation. The 700-member handbell ensemble has been chosen from handbell choirs all across the country. Though Carnegie Hall presents Handel’s Messiah annually during the holiday season, this will be the handbell group’s inaugural performance at Carnegie Hall.
Jada Duis, daughter of Brad and Amy Duis, is a sophomore music major from Ocheyedan. Brooklynn Erickson, daughter of Alan and Jody Erickson, is also a sophomore music major from Spirit Lake.
Duis says, “Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am so excited to do what I love in a place that is so magnificent. It’s truly heaven for all musicians, both aspiring and established.”
The Great Christmas Ring will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at 2 p.m. The performance includes holiday favorites played on handbells and handchimes and will be presented from the tier level in Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall under the baton of Kevin McChesney.
An additional concert at Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell will take place this Saturday, November 30, 2019 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Carol Ayres, Iowa Lakes Instrumental Music/Jazz Band Professor says they are excited about their students being chosen to be part of what she calls, “this remarkable and memorable experience.” She says it’s an amazing opportunity for them to be a part of this inaugural performance.
Photo caption: Jada Duis of Ocheyedan (left) and Brooklyn Erickson of Spirit Lake (right)
