Catskill High School senior Jenna Murray was selected for the 2018 High School Honors Performance Series at Sydney Opera House and performed there in July with the Honors Choir. Participation in one of the two Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.
In June 2017, Murray auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in her application and audition recording. Murray joined other performers from 43 United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Qatar, and South Korea for a special performance at world-famous Sydney Opera House, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.
“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Nancy Richardson, program director. “We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 250 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Sydney Opera House is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget.”
Murray is a member of the high school’s Concert Choir and has participated in NYSSMA, All-County festivals, and Area All-State festivals. In February of 2017, she performed at Carnegie Hall with the Honors Performance Series in the Women’s Choir. Murray is also a student in Questar III’s New Visions program.
Finalists came together in Sydney for six days in July. They received the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductor and choral composer Greg Gilpin, work with other Finalists, and get a taste of Sydney. The Honors Performance took place on Saturday, July 21, 2018.
The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual high school performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world renowned venues. The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented by WorldStrides, the nation’s leading educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com.