Thunderous applause filled the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as student musicians thrilled the audience with the final tutti of Carlos Gardel’s “Por Una Cabeza.”

On January 25, 28 Hotchkiss musicians presented an exhilarating two-hour-long program at Carnegie Hall, one of the musical world’s most prestigious and coveted venues.

The application process for the performance commenced in December, with auditions reviewed by the music faculty. After a very selective process, top-level musicians from all four classes were given the opportunity to travel to New York City and take part in the concert.

As one of those lucky enough to be chosen, I performed the cello gem “Vocalise” by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Although this piece is not technically complicated, I found interpreting and delivering its emotional depth especially challenging. Knowing that I would be playing on a stage with such a rich history and so many legendary debuts, I decided to make artistic expression a distinct focus in my performance.

As I stepped into the Palladian hall, I was excited and anxious. However, after taking a few deep breaths, I let my emotions guide the first note. In the rises and falls of the melodies, in the unrelenting surges of melancholy, I saw a bird trying to escape its cage—almost rising to freedom, but then falling back. When the soaring melody faded and settled on the gentle, whispering harmonic that was the final note, I realized I had finished the performance and had poured my heart into every note.

Mr. Fabio Witkowski, head of the visual and performing arts department, initiated the school’s relationship with Carnegie Hall in 2018. He said, “The opportunity to perform there embodies a combination of several important values we try to cultivate at our music program: hard work, a continuous quest to improve, and great individual talent. Presenting a concert there is a testament to the quality of our students and the work they do at school.”

The concert also allowed students to further explore the musical community. Mr. Witkowski said, “This is a wonderful gathering, not only for the many parents, alums, and families that attended the concert, but also for prospective students and college representatives. Even the director of the Columbia music performance program attended the concert.”

Students from the Summer Portal piano program will return to Carnegie to perform in July.