Three local sisters have been invited to showcase their musical talents at Carnegie Hall in New York City next summer. But first, they need to raise money to make it there.
Next week, two of the sisters, Susannah and Emily Monnik, will be playing at Krazy Kup for a special fundraiser concert.
Susannah, a cellist, and Emily, a violinist, are in the orchestra at Durant High School, where Emily is the concertmaster. Their older sister, Kristen Monnik, lives in the family’s hometown of New Orleans and recently graduated from Loyola University with a degree in violin performance.
The Monniks have been playing their instruments since about the time they were each in kindergarten. They have performed in symphony orchestras since they were 8 years old, and Susannah and Emily are currently involved with the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.
Earlier this year, the Monniks found out from one of their previous conductors that Carnegie Hall would be hosting a special competition. Musicians from across the nation could submit audition videos and hope to be selected as members of a collaborative orchestra to perform at the hall and around New York City in June 2015. The Monnik sisters sent videos that showcased their talents and musicianship, and all three of them were chosen.
“When I heard I was selected to go to Carnegie, I was completely shocked,” Emily said. “I don’t know if I have ever been more excited about something in my life.”
The Monniks’ mother, Anne Monnik Mawhinney, is a professional musician and understands the value of this trip.
“It’s just a lifelong dream, it’s amazing, to be able to play there,” Mawhinney said.
But, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes with a big price tag.
“They have to raise quite a lot of money as a down payment for the concert hall and the hotels,” Mawhinney said. “I’m having to come up with several thousand dollars in a hurry.”
To help cover some of the expenses, Susannah and Emily will be playing at Krazy Kup from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. There is no cost to watch the performance, but any tips the sisters receive will be used toward the trip.
Mawhinney also has set up an online fundraising site at GoFundMe.com/hc1ozc.
Though no details have been confirmed yet, Mawhinney hopes her daughters will be able to perform at additional places around town, such as parks and Publix, to raise more money within the next few weeks.
In addition to the unique chance to perform at such a famous venue, the Monniks are looking forward to playing together in the same orchestra, which they have never done before because of their differences in age and skill level throughout the years. But, they have often played together at churches, weddings, special events and anywhere else they are able.
“It’s something we can always do together, even though we’ve grown up a lot since we’ve started and live apart from each other,” Susannah said.
Kristen hopes to attend graduate school for music, and Mawhinney said Emily and Susannah will likely keep up their musical endeavors in college, even if they do not major in performance. Regardless of their specific paths, playing in a symphony orchestra at Carnegie Hall and working with the New York Philharmonic will help all three sisters increase their musicianship.
“I know walking onto that stage is going to be a life-changing experience,” Emily said. “I think playing in the hall that I have only dreamed about playing at is going to give me a whole new love for music, and I can’t wait.”
IF YOU GO
Fundraiser Details
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12
Where: Krazy Kup
Address: 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd, Plant City
Cost: Admission is free. Donations appreciated.
To give online: GoFundMe.com/hc1ozc
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.