By Candlelight, Greenwich High School Musicians Steal the Show

By James Bonney

Greenwich High School’s annual Candlelight Concert once again transformed the school’s PAC into a warm, immersive celebration of music, collaboration, and student creativity.

Entirely organized and executed by the Greenwich High School Music Department with the help of student and parent volunteers, the event stood as a testament to what can be accomplished when educators and students work together toward a shared artistic vision.

From the moment attendees entered the space, it was clear that this was more than just a concert. The atmosphere was intentionally crafted to feel intimate and reflective, with candlelight illuminating the room and setting the tone for the evening. Before the first note was played, guests were invited to explore a student art and music display curated by E-Music teacher Barbara Freedman.

The exhibit featured digital and electronic music projects created by her students, offering a glimpse into a side of the music program that often exists beyond the concert stage.

Freedman stood alongside several of her students, discussing their work and answering questions from parents and peers. Among them was senior Gaku Kawashima, who spoke about the importance of having a space to experiment and create.

“The opportunity to create in an environment such as this is a chance I have to take,” Kawashima said. The display emphasized how Greenwich High School’s music education extends beyond performance into composition, sound design, and modern creative practices.

As the concert began, the scope of the program quickly became evident. The second annual Candlelight Concert was a collaboration across every major music department in the school, with multiple ensembles rotating through the evening. Choral, brass, and string groups each performed under the direction of their respective conductors, highlighting both the diversity of the program and the coordination required to unify so many musicians.

The choral ensembles were led by Luke Rosenberg, whose work with chorus students emphasized blend, balance, and emotional expression. Under his direction, the choir set a reflective tone for the evening, filling the candlelit auditorium with warmth and cohesion.

Instrumental ensembles were guided by Bethany Fuscaldo, who oversees guitar and orchestra at Greenwich High School. The string and guitar performances showcased technical discipline and expressive range, adding depth and elegance to the program while reinforcing the collaborative nature of the concert.

The band-based ensembles were conducted by Michael Breaux, who leads band, percussion, jazz, and pep band. His groups brought energy and versatility to the evening, moving effortlessly between traditional arrangements and more contemporary styles. The jazz and modern band performances, in particular, demonstrated the breadth of musical opportunities available to students within the department.

In addition to the traditional ensembles, the concert featured performances by the jazz band and modern band, adding a contemporary edge to the program. These groups blended familiar sounds with student driven expression, offering moments that felt dynamic and accessible – all while complementing the more classical elements of the evening.

One of the standout moments of the night was an original composition written by David Pogue. The Christmas themed piece creatively combined many of the most recognizable holiday melodies into a single, cohesive work. As the music progressed, a screen above the stage displayed the title of each song being referenced, allowing the audience to follow along as familiar tunes were woven together in real time. The composition was both impressive and engaging, showcasing originality while inviting the audience into the process.

The piece served as a reminder that the Candlelight Concert is not only about performing established works, but also about encouraging student creativity and compositional experimentation. Pogue’s work embodied the innovative spirit of the music program and resonated strongly with the audience.

What made the Candlelight Concert particularly notable was not just the quality of the performances, but the level of collaboration behind the scenes. Teachers worked closely with students throughout rehearsals, while volunteers supported logistics such as lighting, stage transitions, and audience coordination.

This collaborative culture lies at the heart of the Greenwich High School Music Department. Ensembles and classes support one another across disciplines, creating a program that is both comprehensive and unified. The Candlelight Concert stands as a culmination of that shared work, bringing together students from different grades, musical backgrounds, and areas of study.

As the final notes faded and the candlelight dimmed, the applause reflected genuine appreciation from the audience. The Candlelight Concert was not simply a showcase of talent, but a celebration of dedication, creativity, and community. Through the combined efforts of
teachers, students, and volunteers, the Greenwich High School Music Department delivered memorable evening.

For those who were unable to attend, the Candlelight Concert will be performed again Thursday, December 18. Doors will open at 6:40 pm, offering another opportunity for the community to experience the music, atmosphere, and collaborative spirit that define this annual tradition.