JMU Arts to perform at Carnegie Hall for the first time
College of Visual and Performing Arts
James Madison University’s (JMU) College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is excited to announce its debut performance at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall on Saturday, March 22, 2025. This historic event, titled Where Once We Stood is a cross-disciplinary collaboration featuring the JMU Choral, Dance, and Percussion Areas, performed to Triptych by English composer Tarik O’Regan.
As part of the JMU School of Music’s Carnegie Hall Collective, CVPA students auditioned and rehearsed in preparation for their upcoming performance in New York City, where they will take the stage at one of the world’s most prestigious venues. This not only reflects JMU’s commitment to artistic excellence but also elevates the university’s performing arts presence on a global platform.
A Behind-the-Scenes Student Perspective
In the lead-up to and during the visit, audiences will gain a unique insight into this experience through the eyes of dance student Leah Overton and music student Garrett Gass. “It’s really huge for the schools. For us to be in college and have this opportunity is really awesome,” said Overton. Their journey – from preparation and rehearsals to the excitement of stepping onto the Carnegie Hall stage – will be documented through exclusive video content and images shared on CVPA’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
An Unparalleled Collaboration
Where Once We Stood showcases the power of artistic synergy, interweaving choral, dance, and percussion to bring O’Regan’s Triptych to life in a deeply immersive and innovative performance. JMU dance students also had an opportunity to incorporate original choreography to enhance the visual and emotional depth of the piece.
O’Regan, whose works have been performed by major ensembles worldwide, recently visited JMU to engage with students, offering invaluable insights into the composition and the inspiration behind Triptych.
A Milestone in Artistic Excellence
The JMU Carnegie Hall Collective represents more than just a performance – it offers an immersive educational experience that provides students with unparalleled professional development opportunities. Under the guidance of CVPA Carnegie Hall Tour Faculty Directors - Rubén Graciani, dean of CVPA; Dr. Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy, JMU director of choral activities; and Casey Cangelosi, professor of percussion – students are refining their craft in a world-class environment, network with professionals, and embracing the vibrancy of New York City’s arts scene.
Audiences can follow the students’ journey and behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the performance by following JMU Arts on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
As part of the JMU School of Music’s Carnegie Hall Collective, CVPA students auditioned and rehearsed in preparation for their upcoming performance in New York City, where they will take the stage at one of the world’s most prestigious venues. This not only reflects JMU’s commitment to artistic excellence but also elevates the university’s performing arts presence on a global platform.
A Behind-the-Scenes Student Perspective
In the lead-up to and during the visit, audiences will gain a unique insight into this experience through the eyes of dance student Leah Overton and music student Garrett Gass. “It’s really huge for the schools. For us to be in college and have this opportunity is really awesome,” said Overton. Their journey – from preparation and rehearsals to the excitement of stepping onto the Carnegie Hall stage – will be documented through exclusive video content and images shared on CVPA’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
An Unparalleled Collaboration
Where Once We Stood showcases the power of artistic synergy, interweaving choral, dance, and percussion to bring O’Regan’s Triptych to life in a deeply immersive and innovative performance. JMU dance students also had an opportunity to incorporate original choreography to enhance the visual and emotional depth of the piece.
O’Regan, whose works have been performed by major ensembles worldwide, recently visited JMU to engage with students, offering invaluable insights into the composition and the inspiration behind Triptych.
A Milestone in Artistic Excellence
The JMU Carnegie Hall Collective represents more than just a performance – it offers an immersive educational experience that provides students with unparalleled professional development opportunities. Under the guidance of CVPA Carnegie Hall Tour Faculty Directors - Rubén Graciani, dean of CVPA; Dr. Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy, JMU director of choral activities; and Casey Cangelosi, professor of percussion – students are refining their craft in a world-class environment, network with professionals, and embracing the vibrancy of New York City’s arts scene.
Audiences can follow the students’ journey and behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the performance by following JMU Arts on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
