'An amazing opportunity': Manitoba youth choir headed to Carnegie Hall
A choir made up of children from several Manitoba First Nations has received an invite to sing on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Arts for Indigenous Youth will be sending its youth choir to Carnegie Hall in New York to perform Handel's Messiah on Dec. 2, 2024.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Winnipeg newsletters
The invite stemmed from a performance the year before by Rhonda Head, a singer from Manitoba.
"I brought some Indigenous youth with me, and they were in the audience," she said. "And when we had an after-party after the performance at Carnegie Hall, I got to speak with Maestro Jonathan Griffith. And he was so excited that that I actually brought Indigenous youth to come and participate and be spectators and watch the performance."
The conversation led to an invite for Head to apply to perform the next year. She submitted the application for her and the choir to perform. They recently received the approval.
Four youth from Skownan First Nation, Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Pinaymootang First Nation will be making the trip. They range in age from nine to 13.
"I let their parents give them the news, and when I saw them in person, they had a huge smile on their face," Head said. "They're so excited. It's an amazing opportunity for them."
A performance at the famed venue will be life-changing, Head said.
"Many doors are going to open for them, because not everyone gets to sing in Carnegie Hall," she said.
The group is currently fundraising for the trip. So far, they’ve raised $4,000 towards their goal of $50,000 for the trip. Fundraising information can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Wind chills of -50, snowfall of up to 50 cm: Canada's weather forecast
As the second day of December unfolds, Canadians from coast to coast are experiencing a range of wintry conditions. Here's what's happening in different parts of the country.
U.S. Postal Service suspends accepting mail bound for Canada due to strike
The U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended accepting mail headed to Canada due to the strike by Canada Post workers.
'Ally to the North': Ontario launches U.S. ad campaign amid Trump's tariff threat
Ontario is launching a U.S. ad campaign, touting the province as an 'ally to the North' ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and under the threat of tariffs on all Canadian goods.
Kremlin says Trump threat to BRICS nations over U.S. dollar will backfire
The Kremlin said on Monday that any U.S. attempt to compel countries to use the dollar would backfire after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on BRICS countries if they created their own currency.
Multiple elements contributed to fatal Chinook helicopter crash in Ottawa River, investigation concludes
The investigation into a Chinook helicopter crash near Petawawa, Ont. that killed two military pilots concludes an 'unperceived acceleration' and environmental conditions were "significant contributors" to the crash in the Ottawa River.
Crews work to reopen highway north of Toronto after major snowstorm hits cottage country
Crews are still working to reopen Highway 11 north of Toronto after parts of Ontario’s cottage country were hit with upwards of 140 centimetres of snowfall over the weekend.
Ontario food banks cutting back amid 'unprecedented surge in demand'
About 40 per cent of food banks in the province have scaled back the amount of food they provide each visit amid “record-high demand,” according to a new report by Feed Ontario.
Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to
U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family.
Elton John says he has lost his eyesight and struggles to see his new stage musical
Elton John says he struggled to watch his new musical because he has lost his eyesight after contracting an infection.