Caldwell Student Singers Will Open For Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

A group of high school singers from the Caldwells will make their Radio City Music Hall debut when they open for the Rockettes on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

According to a release, the Madrigal Singers, a group of students from James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell, will open for the famous dancers, singing a five-minute medley of Christmas carols entitled “Twelve Carols of Christmas” arranged by Mark Weston.

The performance, part of the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular, is choreographed by JCHS director Elsie Timpson.

According to a release, the Madrigals were first invited to sing at the annual show in December of 2012, during the 85th anniversary of the Radio Christmas Spectacular, The Rockettes Celebration. Since then, the group has been invite back twice, including this year.

“We are so excited and honored to once again be a part of this show,” said choral director Elsie Timpson. “Each year that we are invited back gives the students new to the group a chance to perform on this famous stage. It is a performance that every singer will remember throughout their school careers and beyond.”

Students audition to be a part of the Madrigals, a select Soprano-Alto-Tenor-Bass chorus, in early September and perform music from Renaissance, Classic and Romantic periods, as well as contemporary classical and jazz songs. Most of the music is acapella.

This year, the group will also have a special behind the scenes backstage tour of the iconic Radio City Music Hall, school administrators said.

The Madrigal Singers will also perform on Friday, Dec. 11, at the Montclair Women’s Club Christmas luncheon, along with the String Consort, directed by William Downey.

Photo courtesy of the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District

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