On January 24, the voices of over 130 RCDS singers filled Rye Presbyterian Church for the 31st annual Festival Chorus Concert. The performance featured Kyle Pederson’s A Vision Unfolding, which is a moving musical exploration of unity, kindness, and compassion.

Directed by Music Department Chair Mary Marcell, the intergenerational chorus brought together members of the Upper School Concert Choir, alumni, parents and guardians, faculty and staff, community singers, and an original orchestration for the 31st consecutive year.

Pederson’s five-movement, multi-genre work is written for a mixed chorus, and features spoken-word poetry written by Shanelle Gabriel, piano, violin, snare drum, and trumpet. The RCDS performers embraced the variety of the compositions to deliver the core themes of social justice and the importance of caring for one another.

“With these pieces, the choir’s hope was to lift up a vision for a future grounded in connection and empathy, and to bring courage with us on the journey,” shared Music Department Chair and Festival Founding Conductor Mary Marcell. 

For Ms. Marcell, the concert connected directly to the 2025-26 RCDS theme of courage. “Courage is not always loud or triumphant. It often appears as steadiness, compassion, and the willingness to remain open. This music reminds us that light is not something we wait for, but something we carry and share—through kindness, resilience, and the simple act of listening,” she shared. 

Following the performance, the Parents Association hosted the annual post-show reception, which has become a special community gathering for sharing in the joy of music and community.
Congratulations and many thanks to the 2026 Festival Chorus for an poignant afternoon of music and community. Special thanks to Mary Marcell for founding, leading, and music directing this beloved Rye Country Day tradition.