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Rock Choir Take On NYC!
More than 300 Rock Choir members travelled to New York in March 2025 for an unforgettable musical adventure that culminated in our debut performance at the famous Carnegie Hall.
As part of The Big Apple Tour, singers from across the UK and Ireland came together to experience one of the world’s most iconic concert venues while exploring New York, performing in Central Park and sharing a trip filled with music, friendship and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), the project brought together performance, travel and shared experience on an international stage alongside Rock Choir Leaders Marcus Alleyne, Richard Toomer and Carey Camel. The tour gave members the opportunity to perform at a venue that has welcomed some of the greatest artists and performers in history.
More than 300 members travel to New York
For many members, The Big Apple Tour was about far more than a concert. It was an opportunity to experience New York for the first time, explore its famous landmarks and share the adventure with fellow Rockies.
From Times Square and Manhattan to Central Park and Carnegie Hall, every day brought something new. For some, it was their first visit to the United States. For others, it was their first trip overseas altogether.
There were rehearsals, sightseeing moments, meals shared with friends, long walks through the city and plenty of stories to take home. The excitement built throughout the week as members prepared for the performance that had brought everyone together.
A surprise performance in Central Park
Before taking to the Carnegie Hall stage, Rock Choir members gathered in Central Park for a special flashmob performance.
Visitors from around the world stopped to listen as hundreds of voices filled one of New York’s most famous locations. The performance created a memorable moment for both singers and spectators, showcasing the joy and energy that comes from singing together.
Central Park also became the setting for one of the most personal highlights of the tour when one Rock Choir member was proposed to in an emotional moment surrounded by friends, music and the atmosphere of New York. It was a beautiful reminder that these experiences often become about much more than the performance itself.
Rock Choir’s Carnegie Hall debut
The main performance took place on Saturday 22 March 2025 at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall.
More than 300 Rock Choir members stood together on stage to perform a programme celebrating pop and rock music across the decades. Songs included Sweet Child O’ Mine, What a Feeling, Video Killed the Radio Star, Green Green Grass, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Somewhere Only We Know, Shallow, Hallelujah, Mountain and many more, before the concert closed with Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now.
For many singers, walking onto the Carnegie Hall stage was the culmination of months of preparation and a moment they never imagined they would experience. One member later described the occasion as “a dream come true”, reflecting a feeling shared by many throughout the choir.
The performance was full of energy, emotion and celebration, bringing the sound and spirit of Rock Choir to one of the most famous concert halls in the world.
Led by Marcus, Richard and Carey
Under the direction of Marcus Alleyne, Richard Toomer and Carey Camel, members were guided through every stage of the project, from preparation and rehearsals to the final performance in New York.
Together they brought musical expertise, encouragement and leadership to an experience that challenged and inspired singers in equal measure. Their direction helped create a performance that reflected not only the quality of the music but also the confidence and commitment of the members on stage.
While Carnegie Hall was a remarkable destination, the lasting impact came from seeing hundreds of singers perform together, support one another and celebrate everything they had achieved.
A Big Apple experience to remember
The Big Apple Tour now stands as a special chapter in the Rock Choir story.
From singing in Central Park to making our Carnegie Hall debut, members experienced New York in a way few could have imagined when they first joined their local Rock Choir. Alongside the music came new friendships, laughter, exploring the city, tired feet after long days of walking and quiet moments of pride after the concert.
The tour demonstrated how far a shared love of singing can take people. From rehearsals across the UK and Ireland to one of the world’s most celebrated stages, more than 300 members came together to create an experience that will be remembered for years to come.
Until next time, you can catch up on The Big Apple Tour on our video series below!
