Chorale earns second place in national competition

Contact: Jeanne Baron
Photo of WMU Chorale members.

WMU Chorale took second place in the national contest.

KALAMAZOO—The Western Michigan University Chorale has captured second place in the college and university choral division of the 2013 American Prize competition.

The WMU Chorale was announced as runner-up in the national contest after judges spent the summer reviewing recorded performances submitted by applicants from across the country. The Iowa State Singers placed first, while third place went to the Pacific Lutheran University Choir.

Judges praised the WMU Chorale, WMU's flagship choral ensemble, in large part for its technical expertise. They made comments such as: "a very solid series of live performances that shows a fine sense of good vocal production, excellent attention to vowel unification and good musical shape."

About the WMU Chorale

The chorale is conducted by Dr. Kim Dunn Adams, WMU director of choral activities and assistant professor of music. The group performs locally and tours the nation each year, as well as embarks on an international tour every four years.

Its numerous recordings include a 2010 release with Seraphic Fire of Monteverdi’s "1610 Vespers" that topped the iTunes charts and debuted to critical acclaim.

About The American Prize

Established in 2009, The American Prize is a unique series of nonprofit competitions designed to recognize and reward the best performing U.S. artists, ensembles and composers, regardless of who they are or where they perform.

It is awarded annually in several performing arts categories at the professional, amateur, college, church and school levels. In addition to vocal awards this year, The American Prize sponsored competitions for conductors, ensembles, composers and pianists.

Winners are selected by a national panel of judges who base their decisions solely on recorded performances. Judges take into account the full breadth of artistic quality, including the overall effect of the performance, musicality, rhythmic incisiveness, ensemble, tone quality, accuracy, intonation and knowledge of style.

For a list of 2013 American Prize winners, visit theamericanprize.blogspot.com

For more information about the competition, visit theamericanprize.org.