Hansmeier to perform at Carnegie Hall

Waukon native Daryl  Hansmeier has received word that he has been selected to perform at the world famous Carnegie Hall in New York City Monday evening, June 12. In an email received from Craig Arnold, president of Manhattan Concert Productions, Hansmeier has been offered a contract to perform as a  member in Carnegie’s production of the Dan Forrest work “Requiem for the Living.”

Hansmeier’s long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Jennaya J. Robison, who currently serves as director of choral activities/studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, will be conducting the work. The ensemble will begin rehearsals Saturday, June 10 in New York City and will rehearse through the performance time which is set for Monday evening, June 12 at 8 p.m. EST, or 7 p.m. CST.

The Requiem is a choral piece in five movements that features orchestra, soloists and chorus. The event will be recorded and Hansmeier has been informed that recordings of the production will be available. Following the production, a formal reception will be held in the reception arena of Carnegie Hall.

Built in 1891, Carnegie Hall is perhaps the best known and most beloved performing arts space in the United States. Named for philanthropist and fierce supporter of the arts Andrew Carnegie, the Hall continues to be a place of aspiration for performers from all around the world.
Vocal and choral music has been a passion of Hansmeier’s most of his life. A Waukon High School stand-out, he was a member of many honor festivals in his high school career including the Iowa All-State Chorus. Hansmeier was a three-year member of the world renowned Luther College Nordic Choir under the direction of Weston Noble and a two-time soloist for Luther’s “Messiah.”

Following college Hansmeier has been a member of the Grammy winning Phoenix Chorale and Arizona Opera. He has also served as the president of Scottsdale Musical Arts and has served many institutions and congregations as a soloist, organist and accompanist.

“This is most definitely a career highlight for me,” Hansmeier shared. “To perform on the Carnegie stage is almost unbelievable and a very humbling honor. I have been watching television performances from Carnegie Hall for many, many years. To actually be there performing is an incredible thing - I can’t wait to drink it all in! It will be an amazing opportunity to reunite with many friends and colleagues to sing on perhaps the most famous stage in the United States.”