Young Musicians Showcase Their Talents at the New York International Music Festival
Everyone knows you should get your kids started in music at an early age. It’s a good learning experience, even if they don’t stick with it for the rest of their lives. But some kids excel, reaching heights of talent that must be celebrated. The New York International Music Festival is a showcase for just such a celebration. It brings together some of the country’s best ensemble performance groups to showcase their talents at some of the city’s most famous landmarks. This prestigious festival is open to participants by invite-only, and you must apply to be a part of this exciting event. Participating in this event is an experience of a lifetime. Read on for more information about how your group can show their talent on the big stage at Carnegie Hall.
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL EVENT DETAILS
The five-day event is scheduled for April 19–23, 2020. If your group is accepted, but the space is already full, you can defer your acceptance until the following year’s event. (The 2021 festival is scheduled for April 17–21.) Admissions to the festival are limited to six high school groups and two showcase university ensembles. Eligible ensembles include choirs, orchestras, and bands. Groups will perform at the iconic Carnegie Hall as well as at outdoor venues such as the Central Park Bandshell.
WHERE TO STAY
Any of the convenient hotels in Jersey City provide the ideal escape from the noise and lights of Manhattan, giving you a tranquil place to rest between performances. The Hyatt House Jersey City offers a variety of guestrooms and suites suited for groups of any size. This modern hotel is also conveniently located near the PATH rapid transit station so that you can get in and out of the city with ease. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City is another popular choice in Jersey City. With its all-suite accommodations and a short walk to the PATH station, it is convenient for groups traveling to NYC for the first time.
DOWNTIME ACTIVITIES
The festival allows for a good amount of downtime so that attendees can get out and experience the magic of New York City. April is the perfect time to check out the explosion of springtime color at Central Park. Take your group on a classic horse-drawn carriage ride, enjoy a leisurely brunch at Tavern on the Green, or visit the 6.5-acre Central Park Zoo. One of the biggest selling points of the festival is the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall and go behind the scenes to immerse yourself in the history of this performance hall. From Jersey City, it is a breeze to reach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You will want to book your tickets for the ferry in advance so that you get your preferred choice of times.
TAKE A BITE OUT OF THE BIG APPLE
With so many dining options at your fingertips in the New York metropolitan area, it can be difficult to narrow down your selections. Groups will love the experience of eating at a quintessential New York deli. Good choices include Katz’s Delicatessen, Sarge’s Delicatessen, and Hobby’s Delicatessen. For a special night out, you will want to consider making reservations at one of the authentic Italian restaurants in Little Italy. Popular options to put on your list are Da Nico, Il Cortile, and Forlini’s. Be sure to top off your meal with a cone of gelato or cannoli from Ferrara Bakery.