(Photo: Joyce DiDonato by Chris Gonz / YPC by YPC press)

The Young People’s Chorus (YPC) of New York City presented its annual Gala Concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City on Monday, March 16th to a sold-out audience.

YPC Founder and Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez and Creative Director Elizabeth Núñez, were accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra and 450 young singers who performed works illuminating American culture through song. The evening also featured Grammy Award-winning coloratura mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, who joined the choristers in reminding listeners about the vital importance of continuing support for moments like this: where upcoming generations are encouraged and financially supported in their musical collaboration. Now, more than ever, it is up to local communities to uphold safe spaces where youth can express themselves – in hope, creativity, and collaboration, building a better world together.

“All proceeds from [tonight’s gala] event directly support YPC’s award-winning after-school choral program, in-school music education initiatives across 17 NYC schools, and College Bound program, which ensures that 100 percent of YPC’s graduating seniors continue to higher education. They also support YPC Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club in the Bronx, as well as national and international performance opportunities that enable choristers to engage in cultural exchanges and showcase their talent on prestigious stages worldwide. In 2024, choristers toured China and New Zealand, earning five gold medals at the World Choir Games. In 2025, they toured throughout Japan and Canada, and in 2026 they will tour India,” said Francisco J. Núñez and Elizabeth Núñez.

Production Highlights

The evening’s program highlighted classical, spiritual, folk, and popular works, including Samuel Barber, John Leavitt, Gordon Getty, Meredith Willson, Claude Ely, Richard Smallwood, Joyce DiDonato’s “Endless Sky,” Harold Arlen, and a special compilation by Elizabeth Núñez arranged and orchestrated by Bálint Varga, “Through the Decades.”

Francisco J. Núñez and Elizabeth Núñez are a dream-team in action, and this particular concert showcased their dedication to young singers and the power of music to connect with anyone from anywhere. The singers onstage represented the complexity of humanity and how, when given the opportunity at an early age to feel the excitement of creative collaboration, it can change the world. The singers rehearsed several times a week leading up to this concert. It must be mentioned how the wonderful support of their guardians made this possible. Bravo to every hand involved in uplifting our youth and positively changing our world! This is where it all begins, with moments like this.

Choreographer Jacquelyn Bird did a masterful job at managing and maneuvering with the many young performers who were eager to sing and dance. Bird’s work illuminated the freedom and joy of expression while the youth were celebrated for being who they were as individuals while simultaneously collaborating with their peers onstage. Every singer was given the space and moment to shine in their unique way. All of this was made possible through the compassionate use of time during rehearsals with Bird.

Illuminating Music

John Leavitt’s “Festival Sanctus” opened the evening with singers onstage, in the balcony area above the stage, and in the aisles, singing with joy. The orchestra reduction by Varga was the perfect combination for this work as every voice was heard throughout the venue.

One of my all-time favorite works by Samuel Barber, “Agnus Dei,” was performed next. The audience was utterly captivated. I have heard this performed many times in my life, but I must say, this particular performance was one of the most inspirational and unforgettable experiences. The simplicity of the singers onstage singing in unison, and the stillness that enveloped the hall, created a respite for one’s soul. This piece requires precision, excellent timing, and well-trained voices, which the chorus exemplified with care and ease. One could sense how much rehearsal it must have taken to reach this point – the requirement of every singer to actively listen while singing with their peers, mirroring the subtle nuances of Barber’s composition. I hope to hear them sing this again in my lifetime. It was truly magical.

“Young America” by Gordon Getty and text by Vincent Benét, and “Music Man Medley” by Meredith Wilson, compiled by Elizabeth Núñez and arranged/orchestrated by Benjamin Wallace, celebrated America’s cultural past. Meanwhile, Joyce DiDonato’s “Endless Sky,” along with Mike Roberts and the children of EDEN participating choirs, ushered in America’s future.

Claude Ely’s traditional work “Ain’t No Grave Can Hold My Body Down,” arranged by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory, orchestrated by Varga, followed by Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise,” orchestrated by Damien Sneed and Varga, illuminated America’s timeless spirit – the historical body that keeps score and documents the complexities of America’s culture.

Both Ely and Smallwood’s works brought an energy from the singers that took this concert to a whole new level. Audience members looked upon the faces of the performers, gazed into their eyes, and saw how these works resonated with them personally – how the singers felt it in their bones and presented it onstage for all to see and hear. To witness the singers raise their voices and bodies in elation spoke volumes to the music’s power and reminded one how documenting history through music creates a universal language. This was an absolutely brilliant moment to experience.

Joyce DiDonato & “Through the Decades”

Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato is a big fan of YPC. She collaborated with chorus members from YPC during the Met’s 2023-24 season opening production of Jake Heggie’s “Dead Man Walking,” and some of those members were present at this concert, making it feel like a “coming home” moment. She spoke before her solo performance about how important YPC is and how she wished when she was 13 years old that she could have been a part of a choir as amazing as this. DiDonato also thanked the parents and guardians of the young singers for making it possible for their children to be part of YPC, highlighting how it takes a village to raise a child. Additionally, and to her point, she mentioned how it takes financial support to make these rehearsals and performances possible for over 400 young singers. DiDonato’s performance of Harold Arlen’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” gave the audience time to reflect on these opportunities and to remember where making a better world begins.

“Through the Decades” was the concert’s final blow-out of fun, dance, and celebration. Compiled by Elizabeth Núñez, arranged and orchestrated by Varga, the singers performed works including “Get Happy/Anything Goes,” “Jackson 5 Medley,” “September/You Should Be Dancing,” “Walking on Sunshine/I’m So Excited,” “This is How We Do It/Vogue,” and “Party in the USA/Uptown Funk/Firework.” Bird’s choreography for this entire compilation had the singers in an all out party mode, full of life and uplifting expression! Audience members were singing along, swaying in their seats, applauding the moments of dance – especially the disco and vogue.

YPC’s Annual Gala Concert 2026, “In the Key of Love,” illuminated the support and effort it takes to make a better world, beginning with making it possible for every child, every voice, to seize every opportunity.