Ava Meislitzer, a student at Montville High School, has been selected for the 2022 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. Meislitzer performed soprano recently with the Honors Performance Series Concert Choir. Participation in one of the five Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.

Meislitzer auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication and achievements demonstrated in her application and audition recording.

After waiting for over two years to perform due to COVID restrictions, Meislitzer performed at Carnegie Hall on Feb. 5-6.

Meislitzer has studied music since she was a child, beginning with Kindermusik classes with Nancy Thomas and deepened her love of music with the support of middle school teacher Judy Abrams. Over the years she has been selected to perform in ACDA choral concerts, Eastern Regional Music Festivals, and currently is a member of Montville High School’s High Voice and A cappella choirs under the direction of Joshua Cushing. She has also received several musical awards over the years such as Exemplary Musicianship in Choral Music.

In response to her selection as a finalist, Ava said, “I am excited for the opportunity to experience all that the Honors Performance Series has to offer as well as perform at one of the most iconic performance venues.”

Meislitzer was joined with finalists from all across the United States, Australia, Bermuda, China, Guam and South Korea for a special performance at Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.

Finalists came together in New York City for five days in February and had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other finalists and get a taste of New York City. Two performances, an Honors Instrumental Performance and Honors Choral Performance, took place Feb. 5-6, and were open to the public.

“We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected over 500 of the most talented student performers from around the world,” said Marion Gomez, Program Director for the Honors Performance Series. “Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget.”

Friends & Neighbors is a regular feature. To contribute, email times@theday.com.