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Home > Press FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: June 25, 2008
CHICAGO A CAPPELLA FOUNDER RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD Chicago, IL — Chicago a cappella's Founder and Artistic Director Jonathan Miller has been honored with the Louis Botto Award by Chorus America. The award was established in memory of Louis Botto, founder of the men's vocal ensemble Chanticleer, and is given to an individual who has demonstrated innovative action and entrepreneurial zeal in developing a professional choral ensemble. Miller is only the sixth recipient of the award since its creation in 1998. He received the award in Denver, CO, on June 14 at the annual conference of Chorus America, the national service organization for choruses in North America. In presenting Miller with the award, Chorus America board member Janet Sarbaugh said, "Jonathan founded Chicago a cappella in 1993, directly inspired by Louis Botto's Chanticleer model, and the chorus quickly built a reputation for artistic excellence and a sense of fun that led to a dedicated following in the greater Chicago area. With the release of six acclaimed recordings and national touring and broadcast opportunities under Jonathan's leadership, their position as one of America's most exciting choruses is undisputed." Jonathan Miller Jonathan Miller founded Chicago a cappella in 1993 and continues to serve as its Artistic Director. Now considered one of the area's most accomplished classical vocal ensembles, the group sings a repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant to new compositions. Under Miller's leadership, Chicago a cappella has presented over 130 concerts in the Chicago area, guest appearances in 11 states, and newly-commissioned works by important composers including Tania León and Chen Yi. Miller created the group's innovative arrangement with Hinshaw Music, a prominent choral music publisher, to act as the company's "official recording choir." He was also responsible for Chicago a cappella's first recording contract with Centaur Records in 1996. Since then the ensemble has recorded three CDs for Centaur; another two independently; and two for Cedille Records, including an upcoming release set for Fall 2008. In 2007, he appointed Patrick Sinozich as Chicago a cappella's first Music Director, delegating day-to-day artistic responsibilities while continuing to oversee the organization's artistic future. Jonathan Miller began his career as a boy, singing in the Chicago Children's Choir. He was as an original member of His Majestie's Clerkes (now Bella Voce) and performed for ten seasons with the Harwood Early Music Ensemble. He earned a doctorate in musicology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and has served as choir director at Unity Temple and music director of the Heritage Chorale, both in Oak Park, IL. He has led worship music at Congregation Rodfei Zedek in Chicago since 1997 and has served as publisher of the late Max Janowski's catalogue since 1998. A passionate champion for new music, Miller has composed more than fifty choral works. His works are published by Walton and Hinshaw Music and have been sung at venues including St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and the Pentagon. Jonathan was awarded the 2004 Joseph Randall Shapiro Award from the Oak Park Area Arts Council for his exceptional contribution to the arts. He lives with his wife and daughter in Downers Grove, IL. Chicago a cappella Chicago a cappella's sixteenth season opens in October 2008 with The British Are Coming!, a concert of choral music stretching from the Tudor period to the Beatles. The ensemble's four concert programs during 2008-09 will include 15 performances in Chicago, Evanston, Naperville, and Oak Park. Flexible subscriptions provide four tickets valid for any combination of concerts. For subscriptions, tickets, or more information, call Chicago a cappella at (773) 755-1628 or visit www.chicagoacappella.org. # # # |
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