Celebrating Togetherness, A Night of Music for the Human Spirit
There's a unique allure to concert photography, and it's a thrill that never dulls, no matter how many times I find yourself at a venue. It's a dance between lighting, movement, and melody, a symphony that unfolds not just in sound but also in visuals. As a seasoned concert photographer, I've had the privilege of shooting at numerous venues, with Carnegie Hall being a frequent destination. Yet, every concert presents a new journey of discovery, each as unique as the last. The recent "Music for the Human Spirit" concert was no exception.
On the evening of June 6, 2023, at 7pm, I had the honor of photographing this musical event that unfolded on the illustrious Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. The concert was presented by DCINY, a global music organization known for its passion for bringing together talented musicians from around the world.
The first act, titled "Where We Find Ourselves," was conducted by guest conductor Rodney Wynkoop. The centerpiece of this act was a beautiful composition by DCINY's Composer-in-Residence, Michael Bussewitz-Quarm, paired with a touching text by Shantel Sellers. David Cole's piano accompaniment added another layer of depth to the already emotional performance. Soloists Mark Garrick (bass), Alyssa Anzelmo (soprano), Brook Sullivan (alto), and Q Davis (tenor) were featured throughout the piece.
As a concert photographer, I always aim to capture the essence of the performance and this act was a testament to the power of music. The lighting was dim, creating an intimate atmosphere that made the emotional resonance of the piece even more palpable. I used a fast lens to capture the expressive faces of the performers, and the result was a series of photographs that mirrored the raw emotion of the music.
Act two, titled "Together We Are Better," was conducted by Greg Gilpin, a renowned composer himself. This act was marked by a variety of compositions, from the world premiere of "Musica Gloria!" by Mark Hayes with text by Joseph M. Martin, to traditional tunes reimagined, such as "Pilgrim Song" and "Dry Bones." Leah Crane, a soloist, gave stellar performances in "Teish Kochavim (There Are Stars)" and "How Can I Keep From Singing?".
The participation of various groups added a vibrant energy to the performance. These groups ranged from school choirs like the Drew Academy Varsity Treble Chorus and the Haysville Middle School Concert Choir, to university ensembles such as the Purdue University Fort Wayne Choirs and the Tennessee State University Meistersingers. Each group brought its own unique flair to the concert, contributing to a diverse and dynamic tapestry of sound.
While the concert was unfolding on stage, behind the lens, I was equally engrossed. The passionate expressions of the performers and the enthusiastic responses from the audience made for a captivating series of moments. In concert photography, timing is everything. Capturing a soloist holding out a note, a choir’s expressions, or a conductor facilitating a passionate crescendo, these are the moments that make for powerful imagery.
The biggest challenge of concert photography is to not just capture what's visible, but to also encapsulate the invisible - the energy, the emotions, and the story. And that's where the real joy of this profession lies. With every click of the shutter, we're not just taking a photo - we're narrating a story, a story of music, of artists, and of the human spirit.
