The Upper School community recently convened to celebrate the performing arts for the 2022-23 school year! Teddy Palmore ’23 and Stella-Grace Ford ’23 (NCS) were awarded the Outstanding Performing Artists from the Class of 2023.

They were joined by keynote speaker Andrew Brown ’11, who had an extensive career in the arts while at STA and has continued to explore his craft. While at STA, Andrew performed as a Cathedral chorister and a member of Chorale, Madrigal Singers, and Jackets Off. He was cast in four Upper School musicals and other theater productions, including the One-Act Plays. Andrew went on to study Urban Studies at Brown and received his master of music in vocal performance from the Royal College of Music in London. He is currently based in Boston, where he is working towards his performance diploma in opera at Boston University. He performs in five operas a year, both in the domestically and abroad, and he recently made his first solo appearance at Carnegie Hall.

Andrew performed two pieces for fellow student-artists: an aria from an opera by G.F. Handel and another from a contemporary oratorio, Considering Matthew Shepard, by Craig Hella Johnson about the story and tragic death of Matthew Shepard. In his remarks to students, Andrew shared that he did not intend to pursue a full-time career in singing, but when the opportunities were presented, he decided to take big risks and follow his heart and his artistic inclinations. Through hard work, practice, and access to excellent training and coaching, he found success and happiness in his artistic career. He encouraged students to know what they want, seek it, step out of their comfort zones, and find out who they really are and what makes them happy.

Enjoy photos from the celebration and a video recap of an entertaining year! Bravo!