WELCOME

Twenty years ago, Congressional Chorus launched what has become one of our most beloved traditions: Cabaret. And this year, we're marking the milestone by doing something we've never done before — crossing the Atlantic.

British Invasion, American Story traces the wave of British artists who stormed American airwaves in the 1950s and 60s and the homegrown legends who rose to answer them—from the Beatles to the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones to the Jackson 5, and Elton John to the Spice Girls. It’s a musical journey bridging voices from two shorelines, woven into one unforgettable evening that spans generations and genres.

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PROGRAM NOTES

America Before the Beatles

It is 1963. American pop radio is riding a wave of teen idols, smooth vocal groups, and sun-soaked surf rock. Bobby Rydell, Fabian, and Frankie Avalon are the heartthrobs of the moment. In New York, the Brill Building "songwriting machine" is churning out polished hits written by legendary duos like Carole King and Gerry Goffin, or Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.

Meanwhile, the raw energy of early rock and roll—the fire ignited by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Buddy Holly in the late 1950s—has been diluted. Buddy Holly is gone. Elvis has been drafted into the Army. Little Richard has retreated to the church. The rebellion that defined the music’s birth is being sanded down into something safer and more commercial.

On the West Coast, the Beach Boys are scoring massive hits with tight harmonies and lyrics about California life. Brian Wilson’s 1963 album Surfer Girl shows an extraordinary ear for melody—bright, optimistic, and distinctly American. But something is coming from across the Atlantic that will shake everything loose.

The Invasion Begins

On February 7, 1964, four young men from Liverpool step off a plane at JFK Airport to the screams of four thousand fans. Two days later, 73 million Americans—roughly 40% of the country—watch The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. The British Invasion has officially begun.

The Beatles fused American rhythm and blues with skiffle and rock and roll, delivering it with a wit and confidence that feels entirely new. They wrote their own songs and played their own instruments. The Brill Building formula of separating performers from songwriters suddenly looks old-fashioned.

They didn't come alone. Within months, the airwaves fill with British acts: The Rolling Stones bring a rawer, blues-drenched edge. The Animals deliver a punishing cover of "House of the Rising Sun." The Kinks bring a wiry, distorted guitar sound that effectively invents the foundation for hard rock. By the end of 1964, British acts hold an astonishing share of the American pop charts.

The American Response

America didn't surrender the charts without a fight. This crisis sparked a creative renaissance among American musicians who suddenly had to earn their audience back.

The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson took the challenge personally. He withdrew from touring to craft increasingly ambitious arrangements in the studio. The result, in 1966, was Pet Sounds—a lush masterpiece that stunned even The Beatles. Paul McCartney has since called it one of the greatest albums ever made, crediting it as a direct inspiration for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Bob Dylan, already a folk icon, went electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival and released Highway 61 Revisited, blending poetic lyricism with rock and roll power. Meanwhile, the soul and R&B tradition—the very music that inspired the British invaders—was being refined at Motown Records in Detroit. Under Berry Gordy, artists like the Supremes, the Temptations, and Marvin Gaye developed a sophisticated production and emotional depth that gave American music a counterweight of immense power.

The Transatlantic Conversation

The British Invasion didn't replace American music; it transformed it. The challenge pushed American artists to dig deeper, reach further, and reimagine what popular music could be. It sparked a transatlantic conversation that eventually saw British and American musicians playing in the same bands—like the legendary UK/US hybrid Fleetwood Mac—and speaking a shared musical language that eventually conquered the global stage.

Tonight, we hear that whole extraordinary journey—from the jangle of Merseybeat guitars to the sun-drenched harmonies of Malibu, and from the electric blues of Chess Records to the polished soul of Motown.

—Noel Nazario

PRELUDE

Across the Universe
Yesterday
Eleanor Rigby

Music by John Lennon & Paul McCartney

Carolyn Robbins, harp
Sean Burns, piano
Chris Barrick, drums
Matthew Majors, bass
Kyle Rice, guitar

 ACT I

INVASION

British Invasion Medley

Arranged by Allan Laiño

Congressional Chorus

Maya Williams, choreographer

Dance Team: Brian Nido, Chloe Edgington, Devon Gunn, Elvira Martinez,
Jessica Ault, Karen Dowling, Kelly Griffin, Kristina Caggiano Kelly,
Leah Shedrow, Mike Krause, Noel Nazario, Robbie Angarone

You Really Got Me

Words and Music by Ray Davies
Arranged by Allan Laiño

Congressional Chorus
Mike Krause and Kristina Kelly, soloists

Maya Williams, choreographer

Dance Team: Elvira Martinez, Jessica Ault, Karen Dowling,
Kelly Griffin, Leah Shedrow, Rachel Schotz, Robbie Angarone

The Way I Feel Inside

Words and Music by Rod Argent

Will Melendez, soloist

To Sir with Love

Words and Music by Don Black and Mark London

Lyn Donaghy, soloist

ECHOES

God Only Knows

Words and Music by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher
Arranged by Ed Lojeski

Congressional Chorus

Blackbird

Words and Music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Arranged by MaryAnne Muglia

Congressional Chorus
Rosalie Person, soloist

Because

Words and Music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Arranged by Alex Pringle

Congressional Chorus
Robbie Angarone, soloist
Carolyn Robbins, harp

The Windmills of Your Mind

Words and Music by Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman, and Marilyn Bergman

Megan Stoddard, soloist
Carolyn Robbins, harp

FEVER

Walk On By

Words and Music by Burt Bacharach and Hal David

Elvira Martinez, soloist

Sneakin’ Up On You

Words and Music by Vic Caesar and James J. Krondes

Emily Dalton, soloist

The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)

Words and Music by Rudy Clark

Leah Shedrow, lead
Emily Dalton and Elvira Martinez, backing vocals

I Want You Back

Words and Music by Deke Richards, Alphonso Mizell, Berry Gordy, Jr., Freddie Perren
Arranged by Allan Laiño

Congressional Chorus

Rachel Schotz & William Simpson, soloists

Maya Williams, dance team choreographer
Rachel Schotz, tap team choreographer

Dance Team: Brian Nido, Chloe Edgington, Devon Gunn, Elvira Martinez, Leah Shedrow
Tap Team: Jessica Ault, Karen Dowling, Kelly Griffin, Rachel Schotz, Robbie Angarone

15 MINUTE INTERMISSION

ACT II

IGNITION

Start Me Up/Livin’ on a Prayer

Words and music by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Arranged by Adam Anders and Tim Davis, adapted by Ed Lojeski

Congressional Chorus

Karen Dowling & Kelly Griffin, choreographers

Dance Team: Brian Nido, Chloe Edgington, Elvira Martinez,
Karen Dowling, Kelly Griffin, Kristina Kelly,
Leah Shedrow, Noel Nazario, Robbie Angarone

I’ve Got the Music in Me

Words and Music by Bias Boshell

Marjorie Atya, soloist

I’m Still Standing

Words and Music by Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Rosalie Toupin, soloist

Spice Girls Medley

Arranged by Calum Roy

Robbie Angarone, Jessica Ault, Karen Dowling, Kelly Griffin, and Devon Gunn, soloists

HEART

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

Words and Music by Gerry Goffin and Carole King

Asha Iyer, soloist

Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me

Words and Music by Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Brian Nido & Michael J. Brewer, soloists

Songbird

Words and Music by Christine McVie

Erin Campbell, Jonathan Lain, and LeighAnne Markaity, soloists
Jonathan Lain, guitar

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Words and Music by Paul Simon
Arranged by Daryl McKenzie

Christopher Valentine, soloist

LEGACY

Bohemian Rhapsody

Words and Music by Freddie Mercury

Congressional Chorus

Max Toscano, Abby McDonough, Kristina Kelly, Carolyn Robbins, soloists

Don’t Stop Me Now

Words and Music by Freddie Mercury
Arranged by Kathleen McGuire

Congressional Chorus

Kristina Kelly, Carolyn Robbins, soloists

Dance Team: Elvira Martinez, Jessica Ault, Karen Dowling,
Kelly Griffin, Kristina Kelly, Leah Shedrow, Mike Krause,
Noel Nazario, Rachel Schotz, Robbie Angarone

Kristina Kelly & Carolyn Robbins, soloists

Hey Jude

Words and Music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Arranged by Mark Brymer 

Congressional Chorus

SING-ALONG

Hey Jude, don’t make it bad, 

take a sad song and make it better.

Remember to let her into your heart, 

then you can start to make it better.

Hey Jude, don’t be afraid. 

You were made to go out and get her.

The minute you let her under your skin, 

then you begin to make it better.

And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain, 

don’t carry the world upon your shoulders.

For well you know that it’s a fool who plays it cool

 by making his world a little colder.

Na na na na na na na na na.

Hey Jude, don’t let me down.

You have found her, now go and get her.

Remember to let her into your heart,

then you can start to make it better, better, better, better, oh!

Na na na na na na na na na….

 ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Allan Laiño, Artistic Director

A conductor of remarkable versatility and vision, American Prize winner Allan Laiño is a leader dedicated to reshaping the landscape of American choral artistry. As a second-generation Filipino-American with wide-ranging musical influences, he believes in creating environments where all voices can flourish, from the nation’s most prominent stages to its most intimate communities. 

Laiño’s work is sought after by the world’s leading performing arts institutions. He has prepared choral ensembles for the National Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop, the LA Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel, and for pops conductors Jack Everly and Steven Reineke. His ensembles have been featured in the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, on tour with Josh Groban, and in numerous televised broadcasts, including the Kennedy Center Honors (CBS), CNN’s Live from the Capitol, and EWTN’s Annual Christmas Concert, which reached over 140 countries. His conducting has graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center Concert Hall and Opera House, and Lincoln Center.

As the fourth Artistic Director of the Congressional Chorus, Laiño champions the full breadth of the American choral experience. He has expanded the chorus’s mission by commissioning new works and forging innovative partnerships with artists from diverse and underrepresented communities. He is also the Co-Artistic Director of Bridge, a professional ensemble with which he produced and directed the award-winning short film America, You’re Beautiful, a fusion of spoken word and choral music that examines racism in America and won top honors at multiple film festivals.

Dr. Laiño’s commitment to mentorship plays a pivotal role in molding the future of vocal music. As Principal Conductor and Chief Musical Officer for the National Children’s Chorus, he guides the organization's most advanced ensembles and college preparatory programs. He serves as an artistic and executive leader, shaping the experience for hundreds of young musicians and families. From 2016–2021, he served on the choral conducting faculty at The Catholic University of America, where he directed the University Singers and mentored graduate students.

A decorated artist, Laiño earned First Prize at the World Choir Games, The American Prize for Community Chorus, and was a finalist for The American Prize in Composition. In 2021, he was honored with The Outstanding Filipinos in America award, presented at Carnegie Hall. He has performed as a professional chorister with the Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine, Washington National Cathedral, Chantry, and the Pacific Chorale.

Dr. Laiño holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Maryland, an M.F.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of California, Irvine, and a B.A. in Voice/Music from UCI.

Sean Burns, Principal Pianist

Sean Burns is a Philadelphia-area native who relocated to Washington, DC in 2021. In addition to his work as Principal Pianist for Congressional Chorus, he currently serves as the organist at First Baptist Church of Washington, DC as well as Collaborative Pianist at Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

Sean completed formal organ study at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ in 2016, where he studied with Alan Morrison and earned a Master of Music in Organ Performance. Before moving to DC, he served as the principal organist first at Corpus Christi Church and later at Abington Presbyterian Church, both in suburban Philadelphia.

Beyond the walls of the church, Sean has used his extensive love and knowledge of opera to serve as an accompanist for young singers who are either pursuing upper-level studies or who are at the forefront of a professional career. At the academic level, Sean has worked with voice students at Westminster as well as Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. Professionally, he worked at Sarasota Opera House in Florida along with the summer programs CoOPERAtive in Princeton, NJ and Canto in Louisville, Kentucky.

Sean also holds a JD from Georgetown University Law Center and pursues occasional pro bono opportunities.

Maya Williams, Choreographer

Maya is a professional dancer with over 25 years of training. She has spent three seasons with the Washington Commanders Command Force, including one as co-captain, and toured internationally with Tour 66, performing for military communities in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. She has also led as a Junior Force coach for two years and served as fitness committee lead for one.

Maya is also a 305 Fitness dance cardio instructor, where she leads high-energy classes centered on self-love and joy.

She is a proud graduate of St. John’s University, where she was a four-year member of the dance team and part of the UDA Hip Hop National Championship title in 2016. In addition to her work on the field and in the studio, Maya serves as lead choreographer for the Congressional Chorus, now in her second year.

Kyle Rice, Guitar

Kyle Rice is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, and recent graduate of Howard University from Aliceville, Alabama. His musical journey began at eleven, first picking up the guitar, leading him to bass, then piano, and the present. Studying jazz guitar during his time in school, he was a member of the Howard University Jazz Ensemble (HUJE), playing at the Calvin Jones UDC Big Band Jazz Festival and Blues Alley, while also recording on four of the ensemble's albums. In the last year and a half, he has completed runs of “American Idiot”, “Mamma Mia”, “Sonnets and Soul”, “The Lightning Thief”, and hopes to keep progressing and developing through his work and career.

Chris Barrick, Drums

Chris Barrick is a DC-based drummer, vibraphonist, and percussionist with a wide variety of experience in multiple genres of music. As an orchestral percussionist, he has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, and the American Pops Orchestra, as well as extended theater productions and shows with the Shakespeare Theatre Company (DC), the Kennedy Center and Signature Theater. As a jazz vibraphonist and drummer, Chris has performed and recorded with many great musicians in Cincinnati and DC, including Brad Myers, whose 2015 recording Prime Numbers earned a four star review in Downbeat Magazine, Mike Sharfe, Rusty Burge, John Von Ohlen, Steve Schmidt, Allyn Johnson, Eliot Seppa, Lenny Robinson, Elijah Jamal Balbed, and Abinnet Berhanu. He currently teaches percussion at Howard University.

Matthew Majors, Bass

Matt is a cellist and bassist from the Northern Virginia area. During the day, he works as a DevOps engineer at a large financial institution. After spending nearly 20 years playing his cello in numerous orchestras, small ensembles, and musical theater pits, he decided he wanted to go even lower and bought his first bass guitar. Since then, Matt has been slappin' fast and loose in shows including The Prom (Reston Community Players), Kinky Boots (Little Theatre of Alexandria), Matilda (LTA), Rent (Dominion Stage), and most recently in School of Rock (LTA) and Something Rotten! (Good Shepherd Players). In his free time, Matt enjoys playing board games and painting miniatures for both gaming and competition. Matt sends his love to his wife Chelsea, for always encouraging him and for being his #1 fan!

LeighAnne Markaity, Artistic Administrator

LeighAnne Markaity holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. Originally from West Michigan, she now calls Washington, DC home. LeighAnne has been a proud member of Congressional Chorus for over eleven years, where she serves as the soprano section leader and performs with the Chamber Ensemble.

She played a key role in the 2022 relaunch of American Youth Chorus and currently serves as its Artistic Associate, while also managing operations as the Administrator for the entire Congressional Chorus organization. Her passion for music and education shines through both her performance and her work with young singers.

In addition to working with Congressional Chorus, LeighAnne also serves as the Operations Manager for the Thomas Circle Singers.

When she’s not singing or teaching privately, you’ll find her immersed in a good book, out for a run, experimenting in the kitchen, or exploring DC with friends.

CONGRESSIONAL CHORUS

Soprano

Abigail Cahn-Gambino

*Ali Ruth

Allison Moody

Ariel White

Asha Iyer

Chris Zhu

Elvira Martinez

Erin Campbell

Erin Ennis

Jean Godwin

Jessica Ault

Karen Dowling

Kate Burkett

Kristina Caggiano Kelly

Leah Shedrow

*LeighAnne Markaity

LuTisha Buckner

Mechelle King

Nora Douglas

Ohvia Muraleetharan

Paula Burzio

Sarah McNeal

Serra Schlanger

Tessa Burzio

Valerie Lehman

Alto

Abigail McDonough

Bette Mohr

*Carolyn Robbins

Cassandra Anderson

Cecilia Brawner

Chloe Edgington

Dawn Arteaga

Devon Gunn

Elizabeth Megginson

Elyse Bressler

Emily Dalton

Heather Taylor

Irina Dvorak

Katherine DeFonzo

Lily Xinyao Xu

Liza Douglas

Louise Buchanan

Lucy Thames

Marjorie Atya

Megan Stoddard

*Paden Tranter

Penelope Krumm

Rachel Schotz

Rosalie Person

Rosalie Toupin

Tenor

Brian Nido

Christopher Valentine

*Ely Merenstein

James Post

John Lemen

*Jonathan Lain

†Kelly Griffin

Leo Weinreb

Lyn Donaghy

Max Toscano

Michael J. Brewer

Noel Nazario

Pär Hernell

Robbie Angarone

Ryan J. Howard

Sangeeta Goel

William McLearn

William Melendez

William Simpson

BASS

Bill Riggins

Daniel Wanke

David Cape

Greg Michaels

Jim Petrick

Jon Saxton

Jonah Herman

*Justin Murdock

Luke Bornhorst

Michael Steelman

*Mike Krause

Nick Menzies

Warren Turner

*Section Leader

DANCE TEAM

Maya Williams, lead choreographer
Karen Dowling, dance captain & choreographer
Kelly Griffin, dance captain & choreographer
Rachel Schotz, tap choreographer

Brian Nido
Chloe Edgington
Devon Gunn
Elvira Martinez
Jessica Ault
Karen Dowling
Kelly Griffin
Kristina Kelly
Leah Shedrow
Mike Krause
Noel Nazario
Rachel Schotz
Robbie Angarone

CREDITS

Board of Directors

Kristina Caggiano Kelly, President
Amit Singh, Vice President
Jahnissi Tirado, Treasurer
Elizabeth Kaehler, Secretary
Ihamna Cubillos Valencia, member
Serra Schlanger, member
Allan Laiño, Artistic Director, ex officio
Arman Amini, Executive Director, ex officio

Production

All Stage & Sound | Audio, Lighting, Staging
Arman Amini & Jahnissi Tirado | Front of House
Alexander Aloisio | Production Assistant
Tim Pennington-Russell | Audio & Video Recording
Ihamna Cubillos Valencia | Graphic Design
Dawn Arteaga, Katie DeFonzo, and Allan Laiño | Program Design

dance

Maya Williams, lead choreographer
Karen Dowling, dance captain & choreographer
Kelly Griffin, dance captain & choreographer
Rachel Schotz, tap dance choreographer

costumes

Marjorie Atya, chair
Ariel White
Erin Ennis
Kate Burkett
Irina Dvorak
Heather Taylor

Decor

Jim Petrick, co-chair
Bette Mohr, co-chair
Louise Buchanan
Dave Cape
Elizabeth Megginson
Warren Turner
Noel Nazario
James Post

Food

Jessica Ault, chair
Elizabeth Megginson
Penny Krumm
Louise Buchanan
Emily Dalton
Ohvia Muraleetharan

Drink

Jonah Herman, chair
Cecilia Brawner
Arman Amini
Katie DeFonzo
William McLearn
Bill Riggins
Sarah McNeal

Hospitality & Logistics

Chloe Edgington
Will Simpson
Jean Godwin
Megan Stoddard
Max Toscano
Cassie Anderson
Tessa Burzio
Leo Weinreb
Justin Murdock
Jonathan Lain
Abby Cahn-Gambino
Paula Burzio
Rosalie Person
John Lemen
Noel Nazario
Lucy Thames
Nora Douglas
Greg Michaels
James Post
Justin Murdock
Sangeeta Goel
Brian Nido
Liz Megginson
Warren Turner
Chloe Edgington
Mechelle King
Rosalie Toupin
Abigail McDonough
Erin Campbell
Robbie Angarone

Marketing & Communications

Michael J. Brewer, chair
Robbie Angarone
Devon Gunn
Allison Moody
Ali Ruth
Nick Menzies
Paula Burzio
Leah Shedrow
Jon Saxton
Ryan Howard
Ely Merenstein
Elyse Bressler
Christopher Valentine
William Melendez

Acknowledgements

This concert is made possible in part by support from

The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.
A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation
Capitol Hill Community Foundation
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Eugene M. Lang Foundation
Menezes Jennings Family Charitable Fund
Nora Roberts Foundation
Share Fund
Texas Instruments Foundation
Congressional Chorus members 
& loyal supporters