A Concert with Four Vocalists, Two Pianists in New Rochelle

A concert with four hands and four voices reverberated throughout the Ossie Davis Theater Saturday November 16.

The program featured Robert Puleo, a composer in the Resident at Trinity St. Paul's Church, performing his original works and the works of Johannes Brahms.

The event began with a poem by Walt Whitman, read by Mr. Puleo, in which it transitioned into his musical piece. The stage contained four vocalists including Puleo, and the two pianists, Justine Macurdy and Alma Hamilton. 

The concert was split into two parts—the first being original works of the performers and the second being Johannes Brahms' Liebeslieder Walzer (Love Song Waltzes), Op. 52.

There are about 500 cultural events like this a year at the New Rochelle Public Library, according to Barbara Davis, the community relations coordinator. She said concerts like these are very popular among the residents.

"We try to get a wide variety of audience members in New Rochelle," she said. "By doing that we try to get accomplished performers."

Puleo began his career as a boy soprano. When he was a child, he would sing with his mother and developed a passion for music. 

That passion was important to the performer.

"As long as there is a passion for music, it should convey a human message," Puleo said.

Macurdy, one of the pianists, currently lives in Connecticut where she works with many local singers, plays piano duets, plans vocal programs and substitutes at various churches. She led the duet on the piano with Hamilton, her partner.

The audience in the theater seemed to enjoy the performance. Their enthusiasm was so evident, Puleo kindly asked them to hold their applause in the second act after Liebeslieder Walzer was done because the each piece transitioned into the next.

Area resident Carmela DeCarlo said she enjoyed the concert.

"The music brought out a warm feeling," she said.

DeCarlo also mention that she had seen her piano teacher, Marsha Cirulli, perform before and that she came to see her sing Saturday.

"She is a great piano teacher," DeCarlo said.