By Karen Meister

How do you assemble so much talent under one roof? Just invite 11 high school performing artists to demonstrate their abilities and watch what happens.

This was what was featured on Wednesday morning, Nov. 18, at the Algonquin Arts Theatre on Main Street. The most distinguished young students, ages 15 through 17, all from New Jersey high schools, were chosen to perform a selection of classical music.

The Rising Stars program just celebrated its 11th year, and it has expanded during that time from two counties, Monmouth and Ocean, to now include all 21 counties in the state.

The students compete through an audio audition process and are then selected to perform on the Algonquin stage. The talent ranged from pianist to harpist, with several demonstrating their outstanding vocal abilities.

The performing students were flanked by an audience filled with family, friends and fans of all ages. It was heartwarming to hear the silence during each student’s performance and then the overwhelming applause when each was completed. The 11 “rising stars” far excelled in their craft and it was appreciated by all those attending.

Needless to say, all these young talents have great potential for future successes. There have been former finalists of the program who have pursued their musical careers and have studied at well-known conservatories throughout the world.

Each one of these gifted students has demonstrated the dedication and perseverance to attain such a level of competence.

The following list consists of the finalists in the Rising Star Program:

John Caliendo, Point Pleasant;Evangeline Athanasiou, Lincroft; Ashley Grant, Point Pleasant; Zachary Miller, Marlboro; Christa Dalmazio, Leonardo; Nicolette Mavroleon, Freehold; Adeline Lee, Princeton Junction; Alfred Califano, Sea Girt; Kevin Lin, Tenafly; Ashleigh Smith, Howell and Liliana Ma, West Windsor.

The next Morning Music program will present lyric baratonist James Alexander on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m.

This concert will feature holiday favorites and will certainly put the audience in the spirit of the holiday.

All seats will be $7. Tickets can be obtained by calling the box office at 732-528-9211 or send an e-mail to: boxoffice@algonquinarts.org.