Testimonials

"It goes without saying that our students had a wonderful experience with MidAmerica at Carnegie once again. We feel honored and fortunate to have this opportunity, and will remember this evening for the rest of our lives.

Thank you for your work to make this concert happen, and for sharing your belief in the value of a special concert venue to inspire musicians, and bring them together to make great music come to life.  MidAmerica is an amazing organization, and we are very glad to be a participant in your mission."

- John Emanuelson, Director, Homestead High School Chamber Orchestra

"Everything was brilliant and I can’t thank you enough for your warm reception and enthusiasm. The dinner was simply elegant and of course the opportunity to conduct on the most sacred stage in the Western world. My choristers had a great time and built memories that will last a lifetime."

- Martha Banghart, Artistic Director, Deer Creek Chorale

"I want to share my sincerest gratitude for your work to make this past weekend's events a success, and even more, for your invitation to compose a piece for MidAmerica and perform its premiere. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with each of you, and I understand what a privilege it is to do so.”

- Kevin T. Padworski, Artistic Director, The Colorado Chorale

"I just wanted to write you a quick note to thank you for all of your work this weekend to make it a rewarding and enjoyable experience for me and for the Virginia Wesleyan Choirs. Every step of the way, things were handled smoothly and professionally. I look forward to seeing you again soon!"

- Bryson Mortensen, Director of Choral Studies, Virginia Wesleyan University

"I wanted to thank you for the great experience my students had while in New York. They loved the experience they had being on stage. I can't thank you enough for helping us get through all of the steps beforehand and while we were there.”

- Dianne Meyer, Director of Music, Round Meadow Elementary School

"There aren't words to express how thankful I am for you and your excellent program!  The reaction I've received is that last Saturday's performance and the subsequent rehearsals and time in NYC was a totally successful and moving experience for all of our singers. We couldn't have asked for much more. Of course, performing inspirational music such as Jubilate Deo was the first prerequisite!

Thank you for the excellent product that you provide. You are truly making a difference and enriching many, many lives!"

- D. Brent Ballweg, Director of Choral Activities, Oklahoma Baptist University

"On behalf of the three choirs that joined me for our performance, I extend to you our most sincere thank you for our entire Carnegie Hall musical experience. What a thrill it was for us to perform on that wonderful stage with the New England Symphonic Ensemble. My choristers were absolutely elated with their experience. Thanks to your entire team; they are a great bunch of people who do their job very well! As a conductor, it was a tremendous experience for me as well and I so appreciate the opportunity to be able to conduct such amazing repertoire at Carnegie. It definitely represents one of my career highlights and I'm so glad that you were pleased with the results. I think the choirs improved dramatically in our three days here.”

- Laurier Fagnan, Director, Chorale Saint-Jean

“I want to thank all of your staff at MidAmerica for such an incredible experience! I was truly impressed with everything, but most especially with the way we were treated. My students could not stop talking about how they felt like “professional musicians” when they were at Carnegie Hall. The staff treated them with such respect and courtesy, it really made my students feel like they had “made it” in the big leagues.

Thank you for everything - It truly was a life-changing experience for my students, myself, and all involved. As one of my students said “I got to play in Carnegie Hall and get to use that sentence for bragging rights for the rest of my life.” You have provided an opportunity that has changed so many lives!”

- Deborah Wales, Head of Music, Oakridge Secondary School

"Thank you so much for everything. It was a wonderful experience, and all the students had a fantastic time. They loved singing at Carnegie Hall.

You have a great team, and it was a pleasure working with all of you."

- Timothy Pahel, Director of Choral Activities, Monmouth College

"It was pleasure to rehearse with all the singers, the orchestra, and to perform with them all on Saturday. Thank you again for the invitation, for the photos, and the experience.

I am looking forward to doing this again in the future."

- Ryan Kelly, Associate Director of Choral Activities, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

"I want to thank you all for an uplifting and amazing opportunity. My choir members and families were 100% thrilled with the experience this past weekend at Carnegie Hall. John Rutter was so gracious and kind to all of the children and their families. His warmth and willingness to sign autographs, and even pose for selfies was such a bonus. The children, of course, wanted to live up to his musical expectations. They were enthralled with the opportunity of working under his direction. They were prepared to work hard and try their best to please the Maestro. But I don’t think they were expecting him to embrace them and smile on them as much as he did. They will remember this forever as a musical endeavor and achievement like no other. If music is meant to be the food of love, then surely we had our fill this weekend."

- Sandy Errante, Conductor, Girls Choir of Wilmington

"Thank you so much for the opportunity! It was very special for our students and their families, and I was very happy with how they performed. This event was first-class and the MidAmerica Staff were such a classy group of people.

We had such a great time! It was nice meeting John Rutter and he was so gracious to the kids. He worked long hours every day  . . . incredible!

All the best to you and your organization. And thank you for the plaque with the letter - very much appreciated."

- Jon Bassett, Director of Choral Activities, Florida College

"Many thanks to you and your team for the hugely positive experience my ensemble had this past weekend at Carnegie! Obviously Rutter is a legend, and bringing him to us mere mortals is a gift beyond measure.  But more importantly, throughout the process never did we feel like our residency with you was "routine".  I've worked with several other organizations in the past through similar concert experiences, both as a singer and as a conductor, and afterwards walked away feeling like I was just a number on a spreadsheet. That was never the case for us at any time during our residency.

Keep up the good work!"

- David Macbeth, Artistic Director of Voice, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

"I want to thank you for a lovely experience that I shall never forget! The entire group was wonderful to work with! I felt very well taken care of and the whole process was an incredible, humbling pleasure to be a part of! I am very grateful for your kind words and support and I hope our paths cross some day!

Thank you again for bringing such joy to my life!"

- Scott Tuomi, Director of Choral Activities, Pacific University Oregon

"I just wanted to send a quick note of thanks for the unforgettable experience of performing again with MidAmerica Productions at Carnegie Hall. What a joy to work with you and your team of professionals! 

Thank you for your attention to so many details that made our experience so fulfilling and memorable. This past weekend was the culmination of a year of planning for us. Because of your care and consideration at every turn, we were able to focus on the music and enjoy the journey and the final performance at Carnegie. 

Please accept my sincere thanks on behalf of all our singers, parents, school administration, donors, and community for this extraordinary opportunity. You have given us all a gift that we will cherish forever.”

- David Weaver, Conductor, The London Singers

"First class trip. I am receiving continuing positive feedback. Thank you again for inviting me to share the podium with Francis [Bardot] and his fine choir. Thank you for your splendid organization and thoughtfulness. Many best wishes."

- Earl Rivers, Director of Music, Knox Presbyterian Church

"We had a great trip to NYC, so I wanted to send a note of thanks. It was a thrill to sing with the choir and orchestra on Sunday! Thanks for including us, and I'll hope to see you all again.

This trip exceeded our expectations."

- Jim Watson, Director of Music Programs, Defiance College

"I cannot say enough positive things about the experience. From the onset, I knew it was going to be something special. I think the folks at MidAmerica have "got it down", and would recommend them to any and all.”

- Paul John Stanbery, Music Director and Conductor, Butler Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus

"Thank you very much! It was such a glorious experience. I loved conducting my wonderful choirs along with such a fine orchestra and incredible quartet of soloists.  Thank you for this marvelous opportunity!"

- Kevin Klotz, Artistic Director, The Houston Choral Society

"Wow. That's the word that comes to mind when I think about our whole experience in NY. A huge "Thank You" to you and to all at MidAmerica who brilliantly organized our trip. From the time we deplaned in NY to the time we boarded for NC we were treated like royalty.

The "Carnegie Experience" was one that my students, parents, and I will never forget.

Your team was very helpful and went over and above to be sure every need was met.

Thank you to all of you at Mid-America, again. Wonderful, top-notch event! God bless you all!"

- Susan Burke, Director of Fine Arts, Wake Christian Academy

"Words are not enough to express my appreciation to you and your amazing staff for the wonderful and magical experience we all had during our Carnegie Hall residency. Thank you so much for the invitation.”

- Eliezer Yanson Jr., Associate Professor of Music, Bob Jones University

“You all were FABULOUS! The planning, organization and care of we directors, soloists and choir members was top notch!

It was such an honor to both sing as a tenor soloist and have my choir perform at Carnegie Hall with you all leading the way. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this precious, precious experience. I pray it’s the first of many collaborations together!”

- Scott Wyatt, Artistic Director, Concordia Sacrae

"I just wanted to personally thank you for the extraordinary concert experience we had this past weekend with MidAmerica Productions. Our singers will be talking about it for weeks on end. You and your staff worked brilliantly with us and made us feel at home. We were so pleased with everything, from the other singing ensembles coming well prepared to the professionalism of the wonderful New England Symphonic Ensemble.

The sound was magnificent. Once again, thank you for this marvelous experience."

- Richard Medrano, Music Director, City of Angels Master Chorale and Children’s Chorus

"Congratulations! Another successful concert - Mark Hayes' Requiem. Thanks MidAmerica for taking good care of the 130+ choir members during the 3-day rehearsals and the concert. All the logistics were very well handled during the rehearsals and at the concert. The communication over the months leading up to the concert were detailed, and your responses to questions were clear and prompt. Thank you for making this a rewarding musical experience to the participating choirs and their respective Artistic Directors."

- Gita Werapitiya, Coordinator, Mount Royal Kantorei, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

"I want to thank you for such a pleasant experience top to bottom. I hope we delivered as expected. Our singers, for many of whom this was a first and the dream of a lifetime, had a wonderful time.

I must say MidAmerica has perfected this organizational model and you guys couldn't have made the whole experience smoother."

- John Balme, Music Director, Concordia Chorale, Bedford, NJ

"Thank you so very much for allowing the Rutgers' Choir Group to be a part of the concert. I appreciate all of your hard work and attention to the millions of details. Our folks had a wonderful time. Performing at Carnegie Hall for the first time - or even if it's not the first time - is truly a beautiful and life changing experience.

Thank you MidAmerica!"

- Mary Nelson, Director, Rutgers Presbyterian Church Choir, New York, NY

"[Conducting in Carnegie Hall]... was an honor. Many thanks to all the good people at MidAmerica."

- Rebecca Prater, Director, Chancel Choir from Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Overland Park, KS

"Thank you for giving me and the choral singers a wonderful artistic and travel experience this past weekend. Everything went smoothly, and you kept my co-conductor and me free from distraction and free to do our work. For a number of participants from my school, this appears to have been a transformative opportunity. I believe we will see greater engagement and higher aspirations when classes resume in the fall."

- Richard A. Williamson, Professor of Music  in the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University, Director of Choral Activities, Coordinator of Music Theory, Anderson, SC

"Greetings from the South of Switzerland....I have also to tell you all how happy and satisfied I am after this experience at the Carnegie Hall. It has been a real joy for my ears, eyes and heart. I've had quite a lot positive feedbacks from the audience and this is very important for me. It has been a great honor to have my work premiered in that worldwide famous hall. Thanks to everybody who has helped to make this event so special."

- Ivo Antognini, Composer

"I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for the wonderful opportunity to conduct the Antognini premiere at Carnegie Hall.  I am very impressed with the professionalism at MidAmerica, and how every detail was attended to carefully. I truly hope to be able to return to NYC for future collaborations!"

- Andrew Crane, Associate Professor, School of Music, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

"Mere words cannot begin to describe the exquisite experience we shared on the island of Syros, Greece. From the sparkling Aegean sea and sand, the traditional Greek foods and warm ambience, and the beautiful and welcoming Greek people, it was the trip of a lifetime.

The students performed a wealth of music, joining forces with both students and experienced professionals from France, Belgium, Chile, China, Germany, Australia, Ukraine, Greece, and multiple locations in the United States, performing major works by Faure, Mozart, and Beethoven. They cherished the opportunity to give a solo Sunset Concert at the beautiful Saint Nicholas Cathedral, and join other Nebraska choirs in concert the same evening.

The highlight of the experience was our involvement in the production of the Greek opera Medea, performed in the historic Apollo Theater. The opportunity to work with international professionals, the Greek Opera Chorus, and the Philharmonic Orchestra from Poland was incredible, and the educational growth limitless."

- Rita E. Stinner, Music Program Director, Western Nebraska Community College; NC-ACDA Repertoire and Standards Chair for Two Year College

"The Festival of the Aegean provided a rich experience for my students and me, diverse in musical opportunities with an excellent acoustical venue in St. Nicholas Church and a visually and historically impressive venue in the Apollo Theater. In addition to the three choral concerts, my students also provided the Greek Chorus in the Cherubini opera Medea performed with professional singers and orchestra giving them experience in the world of professional opera. The city of Hermoupolis is an idyllic setting for this festival with fine recreational, eating and shopping options. The international representation within the Festival participants was an added bonus to the experience."

- William Wyman, Professor of Music & Director of Choral Music, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE

"It has been over a month since I returned from Florence and the wonderful experience of not only seeing the beauty and art that is Florence, but much more importantly, participating in such a gratifying musical experience.

As expected the quality of the total festival experience never disappoints.  Having brought groups to New York and Carnegie Hall, Syros, Greece, and now to Florence for both me as conductor and my singers has been a high point of the year.  My singers always come back excited to be "experienced choral singers" with a higher regard for the choral art.  As my colleague and fellow conductor, Raymond F. Weidner told me upon our return to the US, "...The festival was a wonderful experience, one of the best musical events I've experienced in years."  I could not have expressed it better.

Thank you for your continued efforts to provide quality choral experiences for our choruses.  I will be participating again in the near future with another of your wonderful festivals."

- Kenneth A. DeBoer, 

"The Festival of the Aegean is the most remarkable combination of professional level performances, unbelievable and unforgettable performance venues, exciting programming, all taking place on the Greek island of Syros, a literal heaven on earth. Over the course of the Festival, my singers and I performed constantly, while daily enjoying the serenity of Greek island food and culture. I recommend participating in the Festival of the Aegean without reservation, and know you and your singers will experience a musical event and a place you will never forget."

- Tim Sharp, Artistic Director, Tulsa Oratorio Chorus

The Choral Society and I had looked forward to coming to New York since the day it was brought to our attention. We knew it would be great, but I think it far exceeded all of our expectations! The experience has done so much good for our ensemble, creating excitement and cohesiveness among the singers. It also was powerful for individual singers, some of whom have recently experienced great loss in their lives. It was truly an unforgettable weekend."

- Jill Schroeder-Dorn, Director, Summit Choral Society, Silverthorne, CO

"On behalf of all the people from Reno and the University, I would like to thank you all for everything you did to make this past weekend such a wonderful musical experience! My students were thrilled to perform on such a prestigious stage and were treated with professionalism throughout the entire event. All the attention to detail enabled everyone to have a great experience both on and off stage! On a personal note, I was very proud to see how well everything was handled throughout the residency. I have very fond memories of my time at MidAmerica and look forward to the next experience! Again, thank you so very much for everything. It was the experience of a lifetime for my students!"

- Paul Torkelson, Director of Choral Activities, University of Nevada Reno

"Thank you all again for a wonderful, life-changing experience for our students...it was incredible. Many of our students are first generation, under-served students, and most of them have never even heard a live orchestra, much less performed with one. To read their journals has been heartwarming, to say the least...being in New York, in Carnegie was amazing.

Thank you does not seem enough!"

- Johnie Dean, VP and Dean of Enrollment Management, Midway College, KY

"Thanks again for a great experience with MidAmerica. I had a very great time and hope the singers did as well. […] Thanks again for your gracious hospitality and for the opportunity. Looking forward to next time."

- David Rayl, Professor of Music & Director of Choral Programs, Michigan State University

"John and I would like thank you and everyone else at MidAmerica for helping make the concert last night such a memorable event. We had a wonderful time and were happy to see such a great turnout!

Thank you again and we hope to have an opportunity to work with MidAmerica Productions again in the near future."

- Joseph Irrera,  Irrerra Brothers, Rochester, NY

"It was a distinct pleasure to be a part of the International Festival of the Aegean. Upon arrival in Athens, MidAmerica representatives met us at the airport, and local guides like Cleo provided a helpful orientation as we made our way via tour bus to the Plaka. For a few hours we were able to get our first glimpse of Greece before the high speed ferry ride to Syros  This was my first trip to Greece, and I was immediately enamored with the pure, blue waters of the Aegean and the limestone wash of the city as we approached the port.  Our lodging at Faros Village, on the island of Syros, afforded us a daily view of Aegean. 

The schedule of the Festival provided a good balance of rehearsal, performance and opportunities for sightseeing and discovery. I never met a Greek meal I didn’t like! The optional day trips to Delos and Corinth were priceless offerings for our visitors, as was the Athens tour of the Acropolis. The inherent hospitality of the people of Greece made us feel incredibly welcomed.  My wife and I will definitely be returning for future visits.

I was honored to assist in the preparation of the choruses for the Beethoven Ninth Symphony and the Rutter Magnificat, rehearsing in the lower ballroom of Faros Village. The choruses from the United States, Canada, Greece, and France were a pleasure to rehearse. They came prepared and enthusiastic. Our first performance of the Beethoven in the historic Apollo Theater was no less than exciting. With sopranos and altos positioned in the boxes, basses and tenors onstage with the orchestra and a packed house of patrons, Maestro Peter Tiboris conducted (from memory) this masterpiece with great aplomb. After a riveting performance in the title role of Strauss’ opera Salome, early in the Festival, soprano Eilana Lappalainen graciously took time out of a busy schedule to provide a coaching session with two of our young professional singers. This was truly a highlight of our involvement with the festival.

Our group, the Yellow Rose Singers, based in San Antonio Texas, was one of four groups to perform on an evening concert at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, one of the most majestic and resonant churches I have ever visited in the US or Europe. It was a personal blessing and joy to make music in this house of worship.  The final concert at the Plateia, with orchestra and combined choruses was magnificent. Once again, the four Beethoven soloists performed with artistry and nuance. The MidAmerica staff is to be commended for working out a multitude of site details to make an event like this possible. Maria Kousouni-Fika, Principal Dancer of the Greek National Ballet, brought Ravel’s Bolero to life. English composer John Rutter was present to lead his Magnificat with the Festival Chorus with his own inimitable energy and flare.

Without a doubt, this was one of the highlights of my musical career thus far. MidAmerica has created a unique opportunity for musicians of every nationality to share the universal language of music and to experience one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on the planet."

- Gary L. Mabry, Yellow Rose Singers, San Antonio, TX

“My people are still talking, wonderful and greatly positive comments!!!!

We are planning a party to share pictures, etc. and it will be a great "kick-off" for next choir season.

MidAmerica is wonderful - no negative comments and all great experiences on this end. Thank you for a fantastic blessing!”

- Lucinda Garmenn, Sylvania United Church of Christ, Sylvania, OH

"My students and I loved the MidAmerica experience this year. Everything about the trip was adventurous fun for all of us. Thank you for all of your help. For me, it was wonderful seeing New York through the eyes of my children and students and a gentle reminder to me to never forget that wonder and the opportunity it affords us to hear the music in such a grand city."

- Tina Niederbrach, Searcy High School, Searcy, AR

"I speak for myself, all of my kids, and their overwhelmingly happy parents when I say thank you. It was truly an experience for all time."

- Julie Jensen, American Heritage School Chamber Singers, Delray Beach, FL

"Our trip to NYC and performance at Carnegie Hall was one to cherish forever. This was a trip that I did not want to end.  The kids had a blast.  Thanks for all that you did to make our performance and stay such a wonderful experience."

- Carol Nelson, McCallum High School Band, Austin, TX