Photo submitted to Times Observer Macy Winicki, right, is pictured with Eric Morelli, artistic director at Struthers Library Theatre. Winicki has been selected to perform in a Soprano One Ensemble at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Macy Winicki, a junior at Warren Area High School, has been selected for the High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Macy will perform in the Soprano One Ensemble in February.

“The Soprano Ones are the highest possible voice register, which means that usually we learn harmony instead of melody,” said Macy. “Sopranos overall have it easier learning the music, but have to hit very high notes to compensate.”

Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated young performers from across the world, according to the Honors Performance Series at honorsperformance.org.

Winicki auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was recently accepted after a review by the Series’ Honors Selection Board. Selected finalists receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with and learn from renowned conductors as they prepare to perform at a truly world-class venue, Carnegie Hall. In a special performance, students perform for New York City concert-goers, educators, and family.

Winicki has been to New York City, but never Carnegie Hall, one of the most prestigious concert venues in the world.

“Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in their application and audition recording,” according to the Honors Performance Series.

Winicki has studied music for several years and is a member of the Struthers Library Theatre Academy, Warren Area High School Madrigals, and the Tri M National Honor Society. She has participated in Willy Wonka Junior 2018, Bugsy Malone Junior 2019, Titanic 2019, Seussical Jr 2020, SLT Winter Showcase 2020, Lion King Junior 2021, SLT Winter Showcase 2021, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 2022, Legally Blonde Junior 2022 and PMEA District Choir in 2018 and 2019 and as soloist in 2022.

“I am so excited and honored to meet and perform with other talented musicians from across the globe in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Winicki, daughter of Beth and Chris Arford of Warren.

Macy will join performers from all around the world on a grand stage.

The Honors Performance will take place February 4, and Winicki is raising funds through donations made in her name at Northwest Bank in Warren. A GoFundMe account has also been set up in her name at https://gofund.me/3508bd5b

“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series. “We processed more than 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget.”

The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual student performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in world renowned venues. The Honors Performance Series is presented by WorldStrides, a national educational travel organization.