Diocesan News

Howard Beach Choir Sings in Radio City Spectacular

Photo courtesy Steven Eriquez

It was an exclusive one-show performance! The Our Lady of Grace Youth Choir from Howard Beach took the Radio City Music Hall stage Nov. 24 to perform at this year’s Christmas Spectacular. Led by Steven Eriquez, choir director, 38 children performed “And the Angels Sang,” an original composition by parish music minister Rich D’Auria.

So how does a local parish choir get a chance like this? Back in June, the parish contacted Radio City to get tickets for the choir’s annual summer outing. During that call, the sales representative asked about the group and so was born the opportunity for an audition. They practiced and auditioned over the summer for eligibility to sing an acappella song at the beginning of the show. On stage, boys and girls, ranging from first through eighth grades, wore matching choir-logo shirts and buffalo check scarves.

“It is an understatement to say what a thrill it was for all the children,” Eriquez said.