The Westminster Choir, conducted by Joe Miller, will participate in the Carnegie Hall Community Sing project in New York on Saturday, April 21 at 5 p.m. at Advent Lutheran Church in New York, N.Y. 

The event will give the public a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes to experience a rehearsal and sing with one of the world’s leading choral ensembles.  In New York the Choir will perform works from its 2012 tour and teach the audience to join in singing a few of them.  In Princeton the Choir will focus on teaching the participants some of the works that will be sung in New York – and inviting them to join in.  The event is designed for all ages, and experience is not necessary.  Admission to both events is free, but seating is limited.

Setting the standard for choral excellence for 91 years, the Westminster Choir is composed of students at Westminster Choir College, a division of Rider University’s Westminster College of the Arts, in Princeton, N.J.  It has been the chorus-in-residence for the Spoleto Festival USA since 1977, performing both in concert and as the opera chorus. 

The ensemble’s 2011-2012 season includes a concert tour of the Southeast, performances at its home in Princeton and in New York, radio and television broadcasts and its annual residency at the Spoleto Festival USA. It also forms the core of the Westminster Symphonic Choir, which has performed with most of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors of the past 75 years.

As director of choral activities at Westminster Choir College of Rider University Joe Miller oversees an extensive choral program that includes eight ensembles.  His recordings with the Westminster Choir have garnered critical praise.  His debut CD, Flower of Beauty, was hailed by American Record Guide as “the gold standard.”  Noël, a collection of French Christmas music, earned five stars from Choir & Organ magazine.  He is also founder and conductor of the Westminster Chamber Choir, a program that offers professional-level choral and vocal artists the opportunity to explore challenging works for two weeks each summer on the Westminster campus in Princeton.

To attend the Carnegie Hall Community Sing rehearsal in Princeton, please call Sara Rothman at 609-921-7100 ext. 8287 or email srothman@rider.edu.  Admission to the New York event will be at the door.  Advent Lutheran Church is located on 2504 Broadway at 93^rd Street in New York City.