Singing Rutter’s Requiem with the Oxford Philharmonic

A large chorus performs under the direction of Sir John Rutter at Carnegie Hall, accompanied by the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, during a moving concert featuring Rutter’s Requiem.

I stood on the stage at Carnegie Hall once again with singers from across the globe to perform a deeply moving program featuring Sir John Rutter’s Requiem. The concert, part of MidAmerica Productions’ ongoing series of world-class performances, was especially poignant as it served as a memorial to the late Peter Tiboris, founder and guiding force behind MidAmerica.

This unforgettable evening took place at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage and featured the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of two celebrated conductors: Sir John Rutter and Marios Papadopoulos. The program included three masterworks of choral and orchestral literature: Mozart’s Vesperae de Dominica, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, and Rutter’s Requiem, conducted by the composer himself.

To share the stage with the Oxford Philharmonic and sing under the direction of Sir John Rutter was nothing short of a dream come true. From the very first rehearsal, the experience was transformative. Sir John’s leadership was gentle yet precise, always inspiring, and filled with the kind of warmth and clarity that makes great music come alive. Each rehearsal deepened our understanding of the Requiem’s emotional core. Standing ovations greeted him every time he entered the room.

I also enjoyed seeing the reach of Virginia’s choral community. I was honored to help gather the Virginia contingent for a group photo in the lobby: a joyful moment filled with reconnections and shared purpose. Among the many familiar faces were 20 singers from First Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, led by conductor Joanne Whitaker; Dr. Don Krudop; Addison Walton from James Madison University; and Benjamin Garner, a VCUarts Music alumnus now teaching at Hampton University. Seeing so many talented musicians representing our home state was a proud reminder of the strength and spirit of our choral tradition.

Throughout the week in New York, I had the chance to reconnect with friends and mentors, including the wonderful Dr. Sonja Sepulveda, whose mentorship through MidAmerica has meant so much to me and so many others. I also had the opportunity to meet Sir John Rutter in person!

Walking through Central Park, visiting Times Square, and reflecting beneath the bright lights of the city all added to the sense of gratitude I felt during this trip. And when the night of the performance arrived, standing on the stage of Carnegie Hall, surrounded by nearly 300 voices and a world-class orchestra, it was impossible not to feel the weight and wonder of it all.

I’m deeply thankful to MidAmerica Productions for creating opportunities like this: places where music connects us, challenges us, and uplifts us. Singing Rutter’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall was an experience I will never forget, and one that reminded me of the power of music to honor, to heal, and to bring us together.