Frequently asked questions about ZSR Singers’ upcoming performance trip to New York City. If you have further questions, please contact us.
ZSR SINGERS AT CARNEGIE HALL
Songs of Ascent by Shawn Kirchner
March 2027 • Carnegie Hall, New York
About the Program
Q: What is Songs of Ascent?
Songs of Ascent is Shawn Kirchner’s transcendent 10-movement cantata for choir, soloists, and string orchestra. The text is based on a subset of biblical psalms known as the “Psalms of Ascent” or traditional pilgrim songs. Filled with words and melodies that touch, heal, uplift, and inspire, this music reminds us to cherish our gatherings and nourish our relationships as we journey in various ways toward reconciliation and fellowship.
Shawn’s own words about Songs of Ascent: View on YouTube
Q: Who is Shawn Kirchner?
Shawn Kirchner is a composer, arranger, and songwriter based in Los Angeles whose choral works are performed throughout the world. His long creative relationship with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Artistic Director Grant Gershon culminated in his tenure as the ensemble’s Swan Family Composer in Residence from 2012-2015. Equally active as a performer, Kirchner has sung twenty seasons as a tenor with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Los Angeles Philharmonic in concerts featuring the world’s leading conductors, composers, and soloists. As a pianist, Kirchner appears throughout the country in performances of his music with collaborating choirs and is celebrated for his wide stylistic range, improvisation, and musicianship.
Q: When and where is the performance?
Monday, March 15 at 8pm in Stearns Auditorium at Carnegie Hall.
Q: Who else is involved in the performance?
Multiple choirs from across the country combine to form the National Symphonic Chorus at Carnegie Hall, accompanied by professional instrumentalists, all conducted by Dr. Zanaida Stewart Robles.
Eligibility & Registration
Q: Can I register as an individual singer, or do I need to join with a choir?
Both options are available. Individual singers can register directly and attend as part of ZSR Singers; choir directors can register their full ensemble as a group.
Q: Is there an audition requirement?
While there is no audition requirement, ZSR Singers participants must be current members of an auditioned choral ensemble or a past participant in ZSR Singers programs.
Q: Is there a minimum age or experience level to participate?
The minimum age for ZSR Singers is 15.
Q: What’s the registration deadline?
The registration deadline is September 10.
Q: How do I register?
- Individual singers register through the online form linked on the ZSR Singers Carnegie Hall page.
- Choir directors register their ensemble through National Concerts.
Cost & What’s Included
Q: What is the registration fee, and what does it include?
$735/performer includes:
- Collaborative performance at Carnegie Hall
- Guest Conductor to lead artistic direction
- Production team, publicity, audience development
- Badge and lanyard for backstage access
- Part-learning recordings for preparation assistance
- Post-concert catered reception
- Digital performance photo
- Archival performance recording
$385/non-performer includes:
- Badge and lanyard for rehearsal access
- Private guided tour of Carnegie Hall
- Top-priced ticket to final performance
- Admission to post-concert catered reception
- Exclusive soundcheck access on concert day
Q: Is hotel included, or arranged separately?
Participants will handle their own hotel arrangements separately.
Q: Are there any additional fees due to ZSR Singers?
NO – there is no additional charge to be part of ZSR Singers’ group.
Q: What kind of commitment do you need up front?
A $200 deposit will be required by September 10 to reserve your spot.
Q: Is financial assistance available? Payment plans are available.
Q: What’s the cancellation/refund policy?
Cancellations with full refund are only available with the additional purchase of the “Full Refund Assurance Plan” for $100/person.
Music Preparation & Rehearsal
Q: How will I learn the music before the trip?
Part-learning tracks will be available by or before December 1.
Q: Will there be in-person rehearsals before the performance?
In-person rehearsals before the trip take place at Harvard-Westlake School in Studio City:
SUNDAYS from 2-4pm
- 11/22
- 1/10
- 2/7
- 2/28
- 3/7 tutti LA cohort (location TBD)
IN NEW YORK:
- Saturday 3/13 – 3hr evening rehearsal
- Sunday 3/14 – 3hr evening rehearsal
- Monday 3/15 – 2hr morning rehearsal, 2hr afternoon sound check
- MONDAY NIGHT 3/15 @ 8pm – PERFORMANCE
Travel & Logistics
Q: Do I need to arrange my own travel, or is it coordinated for me?
Travel is available through an add-on package through National Concerts.
Q: What’s the performance-day dress code?
Attire should be all black.
Tickets & Audience
Q: Can my family and friends attend and buy tickets?
YES. Tickets go on sale about 3 months before the performance
Q: Will the performance be recorded or livestreamed?
An archival video of the performance will be available to participants for sharing with family and friends.
Contact & Support
Q: Who do I contact with questions about the ZSR Singers program itself?
ZSR Singers: zsrsingers@gmail.com
Q: Who do I contact about registration, payment, or travel packages?
National Concerts: info@nationalconcerts.com • +1 917-580-3020
