Why I Sing: Monica Vakil
Soprano II 
Choral music has always been important to me – before joining the NYCS (In 2010), I sang with the Massachusetts Music Educators' Association All-States Festival, New England Conservatory's Youth Choral, NYU Chamber Singers, the Sheffield Operatic Society (in the United Kingdom) and Chorus Pro Musica in Boston. Since I have a background in the Psychology of Music, I also have a keen interest in understanding how music affects people; this has contributed immensely to my love of music and my capabilities as a musician.
When I moved to New York, I wanted to find a choir with the same high level of quality as the other groups with which I've performed. I also wanted a choir that would help me integrate into NYC's musical world. Research and recommendations from my musical colleagues eventually led me to the New York Choral Society. I was absolutely thrilled to be selected to join the group; each of our performances has been memorable. Everything from the repertoire, to the range of languages, and of course being able to be on stage in the acoustic gem of Carnegie Hall has contributed to my appreciation of the NYCS.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to sing with like-minded and talented individuals who share the same passion as I do for music, and everyone is so friendly – I've made some wonderful friends! My highlight thus far while singing with the chorus has been participating in the annual Richard Tucker Gala at Lincoln Center. To be able to sing amongst today's world-renowned opera stars has truly been a rewarding and humbling experience. I look forward to continuing to grow as a musician with the NYCS!