Madeline McClurg of Clarkesville, a sophomore at Tallulah Falls School, has been selected for the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall.
McClurg will perform second soprano in February with the Honors Concert Choir. Participation in one of the five Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.
Earlier this year, McClurg 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. She will join other performers from all 49 United States, Guam, two Canadian provinces, and a number of foreign countries for a special performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall, 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 Morgan Smith, program director. “We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 750 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget.”
McClurg has studied music for 12 years and is a member of the Tallulah Falls School Chorus. She takes private piano, voice, and guitar lessons and has been the recipient of many vocal awards.
This past summer, she participated in the auditioned Summer Music Institute at the University of Georgia. She is an Honors student at TFS and has participated in many local musical theatre productions at Habersham Community Theatre. She also dances with the Gainesville Ballet Company in Gainesville and has attended summer dance intensives with Atlanta Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Ballet Tennessee, and Joffrey South.
In response to her selection as a Finalist, Madeline said, “My dream has been to go to New York City! And now…Carnegie Hall! Wow! I feel like I’m dreaming,” McClurg said. “I’m so proud to represent Tallulah Falls School in such a prestigious place.”
President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy expressed his pride in the talented vocal performer.
“Madeline’s hard work and commitment to the discipline required to succeed at this level is inspiring,” Peevy said. “To see one of our own achieve this recognition is also a wonderful tribute to our committed fine arts instructors.”
Finalists will come together in New York City for five days in February 2017. They will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other finalists, and get a taste of New York City.
Two performances, an Honors Choral Performance and an Honors Instrumental Performance, will take place Feb. 5, and are open to the public.
Tickets can be purchased beginning 60 days prior to the performance through the Carnegie Hall box office.
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 the celebrated venue, Carnegie Hall.
