The Dwight Schools brought together 220 students from around the world to perform in a global concert on February 6th at a sold-out Carnegie Hall. This concert, an annual Dwight tradition, exemplifies the school's work since 1972 to bridge boundaries, break ground in international education, and prepare students to thrive in today's globalized world.
With campuses in New York, London, Seoul, Shanghai, and on Vancouver Island, The Dwight Schools are leading International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools providing students with invaluable opportunities to participate in cross-campus cultural and curricular collaborations, and exchange programs. Dwight offers these same opportunities to students around the world who take courses online or in a blended learning environment through Dwight's Open World School, including students in the ICL Academy for Film and Performing Arts in Los Angeles, who joined their peers to perform at Carnegie Hall.
"No matter where in the world a Dwight student lives, we personalize the educational journey for each one based on individual passions, which we call 'igniting the spark of genius in every child.' We are equally committed to preparing students to be global leaders who can solve global challenges in innovative ways," said Stephen Spahn, Chancellor of The Dwight Schools, the longest-serving head of school in New York City.
"This year, our concert entitled 'Music for Dance' brought the Dwight cross-campus collaborative process to life in every way," reported Music Director Alistair Hamilton. "It included music and dance orchestrated, choreographed, and composed by faculty and students from around the world. Students auditioned virtually, and music directors shared ideas and cultural traditions the same way, before meeting in New York to rehearse and perform as one family. This process illustrates the benefits of being part of an active global network of schools that values the arts and provides students with unprecedented opportunities, such as performing together at Carnegie Hall."
Two New York students who demonstrated their musical spark of genius at Carnegie Hall are:
• Elli Choi '20, who began violin studies at age three and only a year later was invited to the Suzuki Method World Convention. A soloist at age five, and student in the Pre-College Division of The Julliard School by age seven, she is a seasoned performer with world-renowned youth and professional orchestras; and winner of numerous honors, including first prize in the Senior Division of the 2015 Lipinski and Wieniawski International Competition for Young Violinists in Poland; the Grand Prize at the 11th Young Virtuoso competition in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2015; and is invited to the Menuhin Competition 2016 in London. Ms. Choi, who performed Bach's Violin Concerto No. 2 in E Major, said, "I am very honored and excited to have participated in an event at one of the most famous venues in the world with my peers and new friends from Dwight campuses all over the world."
• Zachary Fobert '16, who began playing the piano at age four, performed two jazz ensemble pieces. A student in the Dwight Music Conservatory, Zachary's interests span music technology and composition, classical piano, and rock. "Last year, I was privileged to fulfill a childhood dream previously thought unattainable of performing in Carnegie Hall. It was a powerful experience of camaraderie with my fellow performers and a phenomenal learning experience. This year, I wanted to further improve my ability to work with others by playing challenging pieces alongside another student on the same piano and presenting an entertaining performance."
More about Dwight School
Founded in 1872, Dwight is a leading international school located on Manhattan's Upper West Side. It is the first school in the Americas to offer all four IB programs for students from preschool through grade 12. A Dwight world-class education rests on three pillars: personalized learning, community, and global vision. Graduates attend such leading colleges and universities worldwide as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Stanford, NYU, Brown, Columbia, Oxford, and the University of Edinburgh.
Watch the video below of Dwight global students preparing for Carnegie Hall.
Leave a comment