New World School Of The Arts Presents
“rising Stars” Showcase

The carefully orchestrated show roared to life as gifted artists representing the four arts divisions staged Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting it Together.” The Dance Division kicked off the performances with an upbeat rendition of “Funki Urban”, choreographed by NWSA’s famed Peter London, as well as Robert Battle’s “The Hunt”, a sensuous interpretation of primal hunting rituals. Presenting a Sextet from the opera “Lucia di Lammermoor”, the Music Division beautifully demonstrated the operatic command of its college students, and the Jazz Ensemble, led by Jim Gasior, offered the elegant “Symphony in Riffs”, by legendary alto saxophonist Benny Carter. Closing the first Act was “Night on the Bare Mountain,” under the baton of maestro Alfred Gershfeld, as the NWSA symphony orchestra passionately performed the 19th century composition by Modest Mussorgsky.
The Alumnus of the Year award, presented each year to a successful NWSA alum, went to 2006 music graduate Jencarlos Canela. Best known for his popular music jingle “Ride it Like a Ford,” used by the automaker in its national advertising campaign, Canela delivered a heartfelt address demonstrating the deep roots, gratitude and emotions that still tie him to the school. Joining NWSA Provost Dr. Mercedes A. Quiroga in the presentation were NWSA High School Principal Dr. Frederic Conde and the four art division deans: Patrice Bailey (theater), Maggy Cuesta (visual arts), Jeffrey Hodgson (music) and Daniel Lewis (dance).
NWSA acknowledges its 2009 Rising Stars sponsors for their invaluable support: Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, University of Florida, Bank of America, Bacardi, Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, Caracol Radio, Univision Radio, Univision TV, and Miami Monthly Magazine.
Abbey Chase, Glenn Kaufhold, Maggy Cuesta
Linda Jacobs, Bern and Mary Levine
Mercedes A. Quiroga, Ellery Brown, Patrice Bailey, Dean of Theater - NWSA, Karen Hornsby
James S. Randolph, Rafael Maldonado-Lopez, Chesne Ryman-Mettinger, Ramon Dominguez, David Butler
Jose Luis Perez, Dennis Edwards, Frederic Conde, High School Principal - NWSA, Margaret Conde
Robert and Lourdes Werner
Tomas Martinez - VP/GM of Radio Caracol, and Mercedes Soler
Maria Alonso - Bank of America - Rising Stars Performance Partner and Alex Montague
Marvin Ross Friedman, Adrienne Bonhaes, Deborah Hoffman, Larry Hoffman
Rising Stars opens the show with “Putting it Together” by Stephen Sondheim
NWSA Orchestra under the direction of Alfred Gershfeld
Frederic Conde, Gerald Schwartz, Lawrence Feldman, MDCPS, Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent MDCPS
New World School of the Arts’ 2009 Rising Stars performance at the Gusman Theater, downtown Miami
Jencarlos Canela , 2009 “NWSA Alumnus of the Year”, Jeffrey Hodgson, Dean of Music - NWSA, Daniel Lewis, Dean of Dance – NWSA, Patrice Bailey, Maggy Cuesta, Mercedes A. Quiroga, Frederic Conde
NWSA college dance students perform “Remembrances” by Peter London
Rising Stars closes the evening with “Titanic” by Peter Stone
Silent Auction during the Rising Stars Benefit Reception at Bank of America Tower Sky Lobby Terrace
Alberto Carvalho, Mercedes A. Quiroga, Lawrence Feldman, Frederic Conde
Mercedes A. Quiroga, Ben and Martha Quevedo
Sheldon Palley, Lawrence Feldman, Betsy Kaplan, Myrna Palley, Norman Gadsden
Katheryn Kearns, Harvey Burstein, Lara Murphy, Tomas Mazuch
NWSA Jazz Band performs at the Rising Stars Benefit Reception