On Tuesday, January 10, the stage lights illuminated the Harlem Stage Gatehouse for an original performance of 17 flourishing musicians.

Unified by their love of music, and their shared journeys to overcome homelessness, the group included senior citizens from the Valley Lodge Transitional Shelter- a City facility that provides temporary, emergency shelter to individuals over the age of 55.

Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Seth Diamond was on-hand for the one-of-a-kind concert- a show that was sponsored by Carnegie Hall's Musical Connections program and aimed to link this special population to the musical arts.

The performance additionally culminated months of songwriting workshops that were held at the shelter and a nearby senior center, allowing participants to unveil the unique melodies and lyrics they had created.

"Throughout our longstanding partnership with Carnegie Hall, DHS has been able to celebrate the talents of our clients and empower them through immersion in the arts," said Commissioner Diamond. "We are so grateful for the generosity of this distinguished institution, as programs like Musical Connections truly impact the lives of our clients in positive ways."

Over the last 20 years, DHS' Office of Communications & External Affairs has collaborated with Carnegie Hall to present a wide-array of concerts and performances to New Yorkers in shelter. With the inception of the Musical Connections program three years ago, this partnership has continued to grow, thereby enabling more children and adults to benefit from the cultural endeavor.

As part of the program, participants are assisted by established musicians to craft their own harmonious pieces, and perform them at the season's-end concert. This year's groups were joined by members of the Lascivious Biddies-an all-female blend of jazz, pop and cabaret- and Chris Washburne and the SYOTOS Band- a Latin jazz ensemble.

This year alone, the Musical Connections program will reach an estimated 8,000 individuals who have limited access to live music. The initiative is additionally committed to participant engagement and expression, while incorporating professional development into its curriculum.