PCC Returns to Carnegie Hall for Prestigious National Youth Chorus Series

The distinguished youth ensemble will join singers from across the nation for a week of artistic collaboration and cultural enrichment, highlighted by the premiere of a new work by Alex Gartner

Pensacola, FL – June 2026 – The Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC) will return to Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 15, 2026, at the invitation of Manhattan Concert Productions, marking another milestone for one of Northwest Florida’s premier arts organizations.

The invitation places PCC among distinguished youth choirs from across the nation selected to perform on one of the world’s most celebrated stages. The day will include both an afternoon recital and an evening appearance as part of the National Youth Chorus Series at Carnegie Hall.

“For our singers, performing at Carnegie Hall represents the culmination of years of dedication, artistry and hard work,” Alex Gartner, PCC’s Artistic & Executive Director, said. “Returning to this iconic stage is both an incredible honor and a testament to the excellence our young musicians achieve every day here in Pensacola.”

A highlight of the Carnegie Hall performances will be the world premiere of The Heart’s Remedy, an original composition by Gartner written specifically for PCC’s Carnegie Hall residency. The work explores the universal emotions of loss, pain and grief through the poetry of Jan Richardson. The text reflects the complex relationship between memory and reality while offering a path toward healing. Ultimately, the piece affirms a powerful truth: the heart’s sole remedy for breaking is to love still.

Before departing for New York City, PCC will present a special Carnegie Hall Sendoff Performance on Thursday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Pensacola, located at 500 N. Palafox Street. The concert is free and open to the public, and will feature selections from the Carnegie Hall repertoire, providing the community an opportunity to celebrate and support the singers before their journey.

Beyond the stage, the five-day residency offers the 57 participating singers an immersive cultural experience in the heart of New York City. Participants will attend two Broadway musicals, take in panoramic views of the city skyline from the Rockefeller Center, enjoy evening views of the Statue of Liberty and explore some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. 

These experiences complement the artistic mission of the tour, exposing young performers to world-class arts, culture and history while creating lifelong memories alongside their fellow singers. As the core ensemble for the National Youth Chorus, PCC singers will not only perform on one of the world’s most celebrated stages, but also serve as ambassadors for Pensacola and Northwest Florida throughout their time in New York City.

Supporters traveling to New York or wishing to connect with fellow PCC families and alumni are also invited to attend a special reception in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City on Sunday, June 14. The reception will bring together current families, alumni, donors and friends of the organization to celebrate PCC’s return to Carnegie Hall and the impact of music education in Northwest Florida.

The Carnegie Hall invitation continues PCC’s tradition of national recognition and artistic excellence. Through performances, touring opportunities and innovative music education programs, PCC serves hundreds of young people annually while representing the Gulf Coast region on national and international stages.

For additional information, visit the Carnegie Hall performances, Carnegie Sendoff performance and New York City reception pages.

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About the Pensacola Children’s Chorus

The Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC) is a non-profit, community-based arts education program which uses music and performance to inspire and nurture a new generation of young leaders. Serving 300 young musicians from over 60 schools across Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama, PCC uses music education to provide opportunities for personal growth, friendship and community service. Formally established 1990 as a program of the Pensacola Symphony, the now-independent organization continues to pursue diversity of talent, repertoire and performance to enhance and enliven the cultural fabric of our community. To fulfill its role as the preeminent regional youth music education program, PCC presents a full season of outreach, educational programs and performances each year for thousands of children, youth and adults.

About Manhattan Concert Productions and the National Youth Chorus Series

Founded in 1989, Manhattan Concert Productions (MCP) is a leading producer of large-scale performance experiences that bring together musicians from across the United States and around the world. Through performances at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, MCP creates opportunities for choirs, orchestras, bands and individual musicians to collaborate with distinguished conductors and professional artists.

The National Youth Chorus Series is one of MCP’s premier educational performance programs, designed specifically for outstanding youth choirs. Participating ensembles are invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, where singers collaborate with fellow young musicians under the direction of acclaimed conductors while presenting challenging and inspiring choral repertoire. The series includes both featured choir performances and massed ensemble concerts, offering young artists the opportunity to perform on one of the world's most celebrated stages.