Fairfield Arts Excursions is a grant-funded program that enables students to engage with world-renowned cultural institutions at minimal personal cost. The most recent itinerary featured private access to Carnegie Hall and a performance of Il Trovatore at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Led by assistant professor of music history Joanna Chang, PhD, DMA, the group included students Katharine Gutkoski ’26, Michael Kobus ’28, Megan Kay ’28, Margaret Nasry ’28, Kylee Faulkner ’26, Alessandra Schiavello ’28, Erika Lombardo ’28, Laniya Bendolph ’27, and Dominic Pistone ’28. The students traveled to New York by train, eager to experience two of the city’s legendary cultural venues.
For many, Carnegie Hall is more than a music venue; it’s a cultural icon. Walking through the historic space gave students a sense of the aspirations and achievements that have filled the hall over the decades. “I was so excited to see a place that I had only heard about,” said Gutkoski, “People dream of being up on that stage in that beautiful theater, so to actually be there and to learn about the history of the hall itself was like a little part of seeing that dream come true. Being in that space, I understood why so many talented people aim to get to Carnegie Hall.”
The students later attended a performance of Verdi’s Il Trovatore at the Metropolitan Opera House. While some students initially found the Italian-language opera challenging to follow, the experience offered a collaborative moment that underscored the camaraderie of the group. “Because it was in Italian, it was hard to follow at times,” Gutkoski noted. “I helped explain parts to other students, and we pieced together the story. It was a great bonding experience, and I’m so glad I got to go.”
The Fairfield Arts Excursions offer students opportunities to connect, learn, and immerse themselves in the arts in ways that enhance both academic and personal growth. With support from the Humanities Institute grant, students not only expanded their cultural knowledge but also built connections and memories that made the day an enriching and memorable experience.
