The Chorale to present young artists scholarship concert

CHAMPAIGN – The Chorale presents "Encore," its free young artists scholarship concert, at 4 p.m. May 4 at First United Methodist Church, 210 W. Church St., C.

Donations are encouraged and go to The Chorale's scholarship fund. The three winners of the 2008 scholarship are Emelinda Escobar and Jennifer Roloff, both of Urbana, and Derek Maninfior of Mattoon. Escobar, a violinist, is the daughter of Urias and Margaret Escobar; Roloff, an oboe player, is the daughter of Jeff and Susan Roloff; and Maninfior, a pianist, is the son of Mark and Susan Maninfior.

Honorary mention awards go to Peter Deal, son of Linda Vaughn, and Bernadette Wagner, daughter of Barry and Deborah Wagner.

The fundraising concert features founding director Julie Beyler. The Chorale is celebrating its 25th anniversary season with favorite music from its library, including "Almighty God of Our Fathers," "Sing We Now Thou Praise" and "Come to My Garden," performed by the 70-plus, nonauditioned community chorus.

Under the direction of Craig Jessop, former director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, The Chorale will also perform John Rutter's "Gloria."

After The Chorale's presentation, the group will be joined by invited guests to create a 120-member festival choir and 20-member orchestra under the direction of Jessop. The festival chorus and orchestra will perform music chosen from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's summer 2007 touring repertoire. Selections include "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "How Can I Keep From Singing" and "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables."

The concert is "a great chance for us to involve other singers in the community for this weekend event," Beyler says in a news release.

"Dr. Jessop's visit in November 2006 was such a success, we really felt the need for an 'Encore' performance," she adds. "The singers and audience alike were energized and inspired by his visit."

The annual $1,000 scholarship is a rewarding way for The Chorale to assist students financially and to encourage them in their decision to continue their music studies. "A very satisfying part of this process is staying in touch with these young men and women and seeing their progress over the years. We invite them back as special guest performers for many of our concerts," Beyler says.

"This scholarship program is one of the best things we do – we see it as continuing the cycle of music – supporting these musicians and hoping they will move from their academic training into their own communities, offering the gift of music, encouraging others to do the same."

The Chorale has awarded more than $28,000 to area musicians since the scholarship program's creation 17 years ago.

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