Lake Forest teen lives grandpa's Carnegie Hall dream

Driven by a love of music that began at an early age, and the knowledge that her grandfather, who died before she was born, had dreamed of one day singing at Carnegie Hall, Maeve Anger recently had her day on the stage of New York City's iconic performance center.

The 15-year-old Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart sophomore from Lake Forest was among an elite group of international students chosen for the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. She sang first alto in the Honors Women's Choir on Feb. 5 under the direction of renowned conductor Dr. Tim Seelig.

"Getting to perform on Carnegie Hall's massive stage was an amazing experience," Maeve said. "It's nice to think that I've carried out (my grandfather's) greatest wish for him."

While Richard Power never sang professionally, relatives have said he used his "wonderful Irish tenor voice" at a variety of informal events and "always dreamed about singing at Carnegie Hall." The Irish immigrant likely entertained his clientele at Sullivan's Cafe in Erie, Pennsylvania, which he owned and operated for many years.

Maeve's selection to join the group of talented young musicians, who performed before New York concert-going patrons, plus invited representatives of collegiate and professional music programs at Carnegie Hall, was based on a nomination from Woodlands Academy choral director Elizabeth Kurowski and a recorded audition.

"Maeve is a very talented, motivated young lady who writes her own music and wants to thrive creatively," Kurowski said. "This experience will help her do just that."

Maeve, who's been a member of the Kaleidoscope choir during both of her years at Woodlands, says she's always had an interest in music.

"Even when I was little, I played the piano. I started out when I was about 6. I recently picked up the ukulele, and that's when I started writing my own music," she said.

To help increase her understanding of composing and sharpen her skills, Maeve has attended the prestigious music camp at Interlochen, Michigan.

"Choir is also a huge outlet for me," she said. "Within Kaleidoscope, I have found endless learning opportunities. My experience at Woodlands, particularly in Kaleidoscope, has absolutely helped me get to where I am musically. Without the help and guidance of Mrs. Kurowski, I don't think I would have felt as confident about going to New York with only three days to practice our music together as a choir."

Though much of her time was spent in rehearsals, Maeve did have opportunities to experience New York City's sights, as well as its performing arts scene that included a performance of "Cats," visiting the top of the Rockefeller Center and a meal at Ellen's Stardust Diner (home of the singing wait staff).

Even though she was able to make her grandfather's Carnegie Hall dream come true two generations later, Maeve says the whole thing was a bit surreal, and she's still not entirely sure that it actually happened - kind of like a dream.

Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women. It's part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries.

A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy's identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve.

For more information about Woodlands Academy, visit www.woodlandsacademy.org.

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