Special Musical Events

JUBILATION!

On May 21, the EACC Chancel Choir performed at Jubilation, a competition for church choirs sponsored by radio station WCLV, although they did not compete for the $1000 first prize or one of the $500 runner-up prizes. The following is a report of the event as it appeared in ClevelandClassical.com.

“While the esteemed panel of judges -- Peter Jarjisian, Professor of Music and director of choral studies at Ohio University, Jerold Ottley, Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1974-1999, and Robert Page, former director of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and current conductor of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh -- retreated for deliberations, we were treated to a performance by the Euclid Avenue Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) Choir of Cleveland, Timothy Robson, director, whose performance was by invitation from WCLV. You may recall that the historic Euclid Avenue Congregational Church building was recently destroyed in a fire, resulting in the complete loss of the music library and all that is needed to operate a music program. A free will offering was taken and donated to the EACC’s music program. 

There were no signs that this tragedy has impeded the artistic quality of this excellent 14-member ensemble. Throughout their four-selection set, they produced a well-blended sound, wonderful diction and intonation. They also achieved a complete range of dynamics. Robson shaped the phrases beautifully during 'I Will Rise' arranged by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw and the spirited performance of 'Jubilate Deo' (1934) of Benjamin Britten was a fitting way to conclude the performances of the Festival.”

Tim announced in church on Sunday, May 23, that the free-will offering collected that evening amounted to over $1900.00. Furthermore, one of the competing choirs voted to give their $500 prize to EACC. The money will go, Tim explained, not just to the Chancel Choir but to the entire music program, and will be used to purchase new robes for both the Chancel and Gospel choirs.

TIMOTHY ROBSON AGO SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Two years ago on the occasion of my twenty-fifth anniversary at EACC, the church created a fund that was donated to the Cleveland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), the professional and educational organization that supports organists and choral directors who work in the area of sacred music. This fund of $1,000 was designated to be used for scholarships to people studying organ. The Cleveland Chapter also supplemented the Timothy Robson Scholarship Fund with another $1,500 for this year. On Saturday, April 24, 2010, I was able to hear the scholarship auditions at Mayfield United Methodist Church. Seven students, all of whom are actively studying the organ, auditioned. They ranged from Master’s Degree students at the Cleveland Instituted of Music to an 11-year-old boy who is just beginning to study the organ. Each person was required to perform a solo piece of his/her own choice and accompany a hymn. The auditions were not competitive, but were intended to demonstrate intent and potential. It was especially heartening to hear the 11-year-old, who is very enthusiastic about the organ. This scholarship money will enable him to have access to a skilled teacher. I again thank EACC for this generous donation to the future of the organ profession.