Three Northwestern Univ. Students Win N Shore Choral Society's Young Artist Competition 

From the eight finalists for North Shore Choral Society's (NSCS) Inaugural Donald Chen Young Artist Award Competition held in April 2010, three performers were selected and were presented their prizes by Dr. Donald Chen.

Before introducing the winners, Donald Chen said, "I am terribly honored that the Society established this Young Artist Competition in my name, for I feel strongly that it is part of the functions of every community music organization to promote young, emerging performers. I hope the Society will find a way to continue this project for many years to come.

"Thank you, soloists, for making special effort to participate in this competition today. We have enjoyed listening to you all."

Corey Grigg, baritone, a graduate student at Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, won first place receiving $500 and the opportunity for a soloist contract in an upcoming NSCS concert.

Anne Slovin, soprano, also a graduate student at Northwestern University Bienen School of Music received $250 as the second place winner. Kelsey Betzelberger, soprano, a senior at Northwestern University, received $100 as the third place winner.

All performed before an audience and judges at Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette. They were accompanied by NSCS pianist Sharon Rich Peterson.

Judges were Dr. Donald Chen, Dr. Julia Davids, and Dr. Anne Heider.

Judge Anne Heider and former Bella Voce Director explained, "We listened for excellent vocal technique and expressive, committed singing; also for stage presence and ease in front of an audience. _Potential_ as a concert soloist is the toughest -- but most important! -- to judge, because the whole purpose of the award is to encourage young artists to pursue a singing career."

NSCS music director and judge Julia Davids continued, "I think the first-ever NSCS Donald Chen Young Artist Competition was a resounding success! All of the finalists performed with poise and conviction, obviously well-prepared. The singers were provided a wonderful acoustic in which to sing, a brilliant pianist and a captive and supportive audience. Three of them walked away with prize money and even more valuable, encouragement to further their careers. I am delighted that the NSCS could provide all of this to our local, emerging singers."

A Donald Chen Young Artist Award was first suggested by NSCS member Lynne Curtis to honor Dr. Donald Chen who retired after 24 years as music director of the North Shore Choral Society.   The competition to identify the recipients was developed and coordinated by Dr. Julia Davids.

The North Shore Choral Society, www.northshorechoral.org, started in 1936, explores, studies, and performs a wide range of choral music for the enrichment and enjoyment of its singers and audiences.

North Shore Choral Society joined The Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall in Evanston as it presented Beethoven's Symphony Ninth: "Ode to Joy." The evening opened with a cappella excerpts from 'The Peaceable Kingdom' by Randall Thompson presented by the North Shore Choral Society, conducted by the Society's music director, Dr. Julia Davids.

Photo captions: 
 
1 Corey Grigg, First Place Winner in North Shore Choral Society's Donald Chen Young Artist Competition meets Dr. Donald Chen.

2 North Shore Choral Society's 2010 Young Artist Competition winners are (left to right) Kelsey Betzelberger - Third Place, Corey Grigg - First Place, Anne Slovin - Second Place.

3. Judges were (left to right) Dr. Julia Davids, Dr. Donald Chen, Dr. Anne Heider.

4. Lynne Curtis (standing) with Karen Rigotti suggested the idea of the Donald Chen Young Artist Award.

5. Participants were: (first row left to right) Anne Slovin, Adria Rice, Keshena Cisneros-Watson, Sharon Rich Peterson (accompanist) Second row: (left to right) Kelsey Betzelberger, Corey Grigg, Stephen Richardson, Amanda DeBoer Koopman

6. Sharon Rich Peterson, accompanist and Donald Chen, past NSCS music director

Photo credit: Lenore Dupuis