Behind the Lens at Eric Whitacre's Concert at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall
As an arts photographer, it's my job to translate the magic and emotion of live music into a visual experience. Last night, I had the privilege of photographing a captivating concert at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall. The iconic venue played host to the celebrated composer and conductor Eric Whitacre, who led a choir through an unforgettable concert that showcased the power of music to connect and inspire, and I'm thrilled to share my perspective from behind the lens.
Eric Whitacre's program was a carefully curated selection of some of his most renowned compositions. The evening began with the ethereal "Lux Aurumque," followed by selections from "The Sacred Veil," "The City and the Sea," and "Animal Crackers, Vol. 1 & 2." The performance also featured "The Seal Lullaby" and other audience favorites.
The Pembroke College Chapel Choir, directed by the talented Anna Lapwood, provided a featured performance of "Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine."
Throughout the evening, the choir performed selections from "The Sacred Veil," a deeply personal work co-created by Whitacre and poet/lyricist Charles Anthony Silvestri. This moving piece tells the story of life, love, and loss, inspired by Silvestri's wife, Julie, who tragically passed away from ovarian cancer at just 36 years old. The evocative narrative explores themes of courtship, love, loss, and the search for solace, resonating with many who have experienced grief and heartache.
Kelly Yu-Chieh Lin's piano and Jake Charkey's cello accompaniment further enriched the concert, adding layers of emotion to the already powerful performance. The event also featured a diverse range of participating groups, including:
Pine Crest School Select Ensemble
Mississippi School of the Arts Chorale
Summit Ensemble of the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale
Blue Hawk Singers
Wagner College Choir
Montclair State University Chorale & Alumni Affiliates
Newton County High School Choir
Singspirations
Ozarks Technical Community College: Chamber Choir
Saint Edward's School Choirs
The Pembroke College Chapel Choir
As a photographer, my mission is to tell the story of the concert through images that capture the emotion, energy, and beauty of the performance. With each click of the shutter, I aimed to preserve the essence of the music, the intensity of the performers, and the palpable connection between the choir and the audience. I hope that my photographs bring you closer to the magic of Eric Whitacre's concert and inspire you to explore more of his incredible work.
