Two Elon faculty Artists performed at 54 Below in New York City.
On Sept. 30 Chris Rayis, assistant professor of performing arts, and Polly Cornelius, associate professor of teaching in music performed on “A Night of New Works” at the New York City venue, 54 Below.
“A Night of New Works” is a cabaret concert designed to showcase new songs and music from living, American composers. Cornelius and Rayis performed “Evening Song” by Broadway composer Chris Miller ’99, the recipient of the Elon University Distinguished Alumni award in 2014. Rayis also performed two of his own compositions, “Into the Ocean” and “Istra Psyche//The Rhine” with well-known singer, Eleri Ward. There were over 300 submissions for this particular show, and only a few composers were selected to feature their works.
54 Below, New York’s Broadway-themed club, is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and expand the art of the cabaret. They are committed to supporting diverse communities of emerging and established artists and to expanding their audiences. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below is affectionately known as “Broadway’s Living Room,” a home away from home for Broadway professionals and audiences alike. The club combines performances by Broadway’s best with world-class dining in an elegant setting. With a pre-theatre dinner offered nightly from 5:30pm, it has set a new culinary standard for New York City entertainment venues.