Liberty High School Orchestra performs at United Nations

On Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 21 students from the Liberty Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble performed at the United Nations in New York City.

Only one performance per day is scheduled at the United Nations, and the students performed for approximately 150 people in the main lobby outside of the Assembly Hall. The honor to perform at the U.N. is granted only to schools that apply and are approved by the U.S. Mission, and is based on achievements, accomplishments and past performances.

“I don’t think the kids realized how big of an honor it was to perform at the United Nations until we arrived and set up,” says conductor and music teacher Scott Glasser.

The ensemble performed a mixture of music from Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring,” to works by Sibelius and Lady Gaga. “I tried to select music that was not only appropriate for where we were performing, but also created by composers from all over the world,” explains Glasser. “There is a connection between music and the topics that are affecting our world, and I wanted our students to see and feel that.”

The group also had time to do a bit of sightseeing and take in a performance by the Orchestra of St. Luke’s at Carnegie Hall. “Going to Carnegie Hall was a wonderful opportunity for them,” says Glasser. “It is so important to have experiences like that. Exposure to the arts gives our students an appreciation for it, and will hopefully allow them to continue to support and appreciate music for the rest of their lives.”