Heartland Voices

December 21, 2006

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Elgin, IL – Heartland Voices, Elgin’s premiere choral chamber ensemble, announces auditions for the second half of their 2006-2007 concert season. While there are openings in all sections of this mixed ensemble, there is a special emphasis on first sopranos and second basses. Any experienced choral singer looking for an excellent choir with which to sing should consider auditioning.

Auditions will take place from January 2 through January 21 and are by appointment. If you wish to schedule an appointment, please call the Heartland Voices at 847-429-9486.

Heartland Voices consists of professional and professionally trained singers from the greater Chicago area committed to excellence in choral performance. They are led by Dr. John G. Slawson, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Elgin Community College, and accompanied by Dr. Paul J. Satre, Professor of Music at Trinity International University and principal organist at the Moody Church of Chicago. Dr. Marc Alan Brunelle, Minister of Liturgy and Music at St. Marcelline Catholic Church, is the assistant director.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization and is pleased to have the Daily Herald, the Grand Victoria Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, First Community Bank, the Illinois Arts Council and the City of Elgin as generous sponsors for the 2006-2007 season. For further information, please visit their website at www.heartlandvoices.org.

Their final concert of the season will be an exciting journey through the ages with choral music. Magnificent Milestones will present choral music from Gregorian chant up to some newly composed works in the 21^st century. Carl Grapentine, the early-morning radio personality on Chicago’s premiere classical station WFMT—98.7, will serve as the narrator for this concert.

Heartland Voices For Immediate Release

P.O. Box 5484 November 17, 2006

Elgin, IL 60121-5484

Heartland Voices Contact

Stephen Hommowun

630-584-3485

Heartland Voices presents

“Home Is Where the Heart Is”

ELGIN, IL—In its eighth season, Heartland Voices’ holiday concert has become an annual tradition for many Fox Valley residents. This year, as the group’s popularity has increased, the mixed choral ensemble will expand its December concert schedule to include an evening performance in Schaumburg.

The choir, under the direction of Dr. John Slawson, will deliver two heartwarming performances on Saturday, December 9, at the historic First United Methodist Church in downtown Elgin. The afternoon concert, sponsored by the EFS Foundation, will showcase two children’s choirs: the Intermezzo Choir of the Elgin Children’s Chorus, directed by Beth Ellis, and the Clare Woods Academy Choir led by Anita Schneider. The Clare Woods Academy serves the educational and therapeutic needs of children with mental and developmental disabilities. Both choirs will join Heartland Voices in the grand finale, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

In the spirit of the holidays, children who bring a new or gently-used book to contribute to the Community of Readers program will receive free admission to the concert. The Community of Readers, a partnership between First Community Bank and School District U-46, donates books to schools and other non-profit organizations that work with children. Tickets for the 3 p.m. concert are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students with a school ID; for children 12 and under, tickets are $5, but free with a book donation.

The Heartland Voices 7:30 p.m. performance is a traditional candlelight concert featuring a wide variety of holiday music, with sing-along carols featured throughout the evening. Processionals include “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” by Dale Warland and “Once in Royal David’s City.” The performance will conclude with the Heartland Voices’ signature piece, “This Christmastide,” by Donald Fraser. Written for soprano Jessye Norman, the piece embodies the sentimental flavor of the holidays.

In its Schaumburg debut, Heartland Voices will repeat the candlelight concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, December 17, at St. Marcelline Catholic Church, 822 South Springinsguth Road. Dr. Marc Alan Brunelle serves as the Minister of Liturgy and Music at St. Marcelline and is the Assistant Conductor of Heartland Voices. Tickets for the evening concerts in both Elgin and Schaumburg are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and groups of six or more; $10 for students 18 and younger with a valid school ID.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization and is generously supported for the 2006-2007 season by the Daily Herald, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Illinois Arts Council, the City of Elgin and First Community Bank.

To reserve your seat, call (847) 429-9486 or visit the website at www.heartlandvoices.org. Mail orders should be sent to:

Heartland Voices

P.O. Box 5484

Elgin, IL 60121-5484.

Heartland Voices

The 40-member Heartland Voices consists of professional and professionally trained singers from the greater Chicago area who are committed to excellence in choral performance. They are led by Dr. John G. Slawson, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Elgin Community College. Dr. Paul J.Satre, Professor of Music in the School of Music at Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois, serves as Accompanist.

February 20, 2006

Elgin, IL – Irish Composer Joins Choral Ensemble for Fox Valley Premiere and Celebration

This year, Heartland Voices invites you to mark St. Patrick’s Day at its Irish Remembrance and Celebration concert, on March 18, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater in the Visual and Performing Arts Center.

The evening, sponsored by EFS Foundation, will feature the Fox Valley premiere of Composer Patrick Cassidy’s Famine Remembrance, a haunting and mystical account of the Irish experience during the 1845 potato famine. Cassidy’s piece, commissioned to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the Irish Famine, premiered in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York in March 1997.

In recognition of having Ireland’s most important classical composer present for his work’s Fox Valley premiere, Heartland Voices will host a pre-concert reception giving guests the opportunity to speak with Mr. Cassidy while enjoying hors d’oeurves, pastries, wine and a sampling of Irish beers.

In addition to Famine Remembrance, the concert’s celebration of Irish life, folklore and spirit will also include traditional and contemporary music fitting of true St. Patrick’s Day merriment along with a performance by Rockford’s McNulty Dancers. The McNulty School of Irish Dance is one of the largest, most competitive dance schools in the Midwest.

To learn more about this concert or to reserve your space, please call the Heartland Voices box office at 847-429-9486. Concert tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors/students and groups of 12 or more. Reception tickets are $25 and due to limited space must be purchased by March 6, 2006.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization and is excited to have the Elgin Courier News, the Grand Victoria Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Illinois Arts Council and the City of Elgin as generous sponsors for their 2005-2006 season.

Heartland Voices Irish Remembrance and Celebration is just one in a series of concerts the choral ensemble is performing this season. As a group of critically acclaimed professional and professionally-trained singers from greater Illinois, Heartland Voices is committed to performing challenging and diverse literature; offering their talents as guest artists; and providing educational outreach to enhance the appreciation and enjoyment of music for generations to come. To learn more about the organization, visit www.heartlandvoices.org.

Where: Pre-Concert Reception at the Spartan Terrace Dining Room; Performance at the Blizzard Theater, Visual and Performing Arts Center of Elgin Community College

Featuring: Famine Remembrance by Patrick Cassidy, Dancers from the McNulty School of Irish Dance

Join Heartland Voices for an IRISH REMEMBRANCE AND CELEBRATION, an evening celebrating the heritage of the Ireland. Composer Patrick Cassidy will be in attendance as his haunting and mystical tale about the Irish Potato Famine of 1845, Famine Remembrance, makes its Fox Valley Premiere. The second half of the concert celebrates the folklore and spirit of the Irish and features the dancers from the McNulty School of Irish Dance, Rockford, and includes Irish favorites Wearin’ of the Green, The Rising of the Moon, Tell My Ma and Dulaman, made popular by Chanticleer. This concert is sponsored by the EFS Foundation.

A Pre-concert Reception will be held at the Spartan Terrace Dining Room located adjacent to the Blizzard Theater. Famine Remembrance composer Patrick Cassidy will attend to lend his perspective and insights on his work and our Irish Heritage. The reception starts at 6:15 P.M. and the concert will follow immediately. It will feature hot and chilled hors d’oeurves, elegant desserts and pastries, wine and Irish beers. Reception tickets are $25. Limited tickets are available through March 6.

Concert Tickets are $18 for adults; $15 for seniors, students and groups of twelve or more. Seating is reserved and can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Call the Heartland Voices Box Office at 847-429-9486 to reserve your place for both the concert and the reception.

February 27, and all artwork must be turned in by Friday, March 3. Full page ads are $200, half-page ads are $125 and quarter-page ads are $75. The ads can be turned in directly to the obtainer as a print-ready copy or emailed to Stephen Hommowun at shummer1@comcast.net (pdf or jpeg - type files are preferred).These ads will appear in both the “Irish Remembrance and Celebration” concert on March 18 and in the “Sing-Along Messiah” on April 8, 2006.

Sponsorships: Sponsors are needed for this concert. Sponsors are especially needed for the Pre-concert Reception $750, the McNulty Dancers $750, Programs $1000, advertising $500, and the Blizzard Theater $1750. Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 and all donations are tax exempt.

Heartland Voices is a critically acclaimed ensemble of professional and professionally-trained singers from greater northern Illinois. Driven by their love of music, they formed in 1999 with a commitment to:

· Provide educational outreach to enhance the appreciation and enjoyment of music for generations to come.

As regularly featured guest artists for the DuPage Opera Theatre, Heartland Voices also performs for private and community-based functions. Their talent and passion have been honored with an elite performance for the Illinois Chapter of the American Choral Director’s Association and invitations to Carnegie Hall in 2002 and 2005. As they continue their seventh season, Heartland Voices solidifies its reputation as a premiere cultural organization in the Midwest presenting creative and diverse musical performances of the highest caliber.

Patrick Cassidy is widely recognized as Ireland’s most important classical composer. His music has been performed in France, Britain, and America. Born in county Mayo, Ireland, his compositions reflect a deep-felt understanding of Ancient Irish music together with the formal classical European forms.

On his first album, "Cruit" (1989), he arranged the music of Ireland’s 17th & 18th Century Harpers for a Baroque Ensemble with Cassidy himself as a soloist on Irish harp. "Cruit" is now recognized as the definitive interpretation of this important part of Ireland’s musical heritage. In recognition of Cassidy’s work, he was invited by The Music Association of Ireland to prepare a lecture on Irish Music that was given to the members of the association in February 1991.

In April 1993, Cassidy’s "The Aughrim Suite" was premiered on the "Sundays at Four" Program on KUSC Radio from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art by invitation of The Pacific Composers Forum. "The Children of Lir" was released in September 1993. The piece was recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra and The Tallis Choir and achieved gold status in Ireland. In 1995 BBC Television produced a one hour documentary featuring "The Children of Lir" with Van Morrison interviewing Cassidy about the composition.

In September 1996, Cassidy was awarded the Gold Medal by the University of Limerick. This award, given to honor graduates, has only previously been awarded once in the history of the University.

"Famine Remembrance", a work specially commissioned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish Famine, was released in March 1997. The premiere of this piece was held in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, with Angelica Huston performing the narration.

In March 1998, a new composition by Cassidy, "Deirdre of the Sorrows", recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra, was released.

In 1999 Cassidy relocated from Ireland to Los Angeles to join the Media Ventures team.

In 2001 "Vide Cor Meum", an aria specially composed for the opera scene in Hannibal, received widespread acclaim. Patrick's new collaboration album with Lisa Gerrard, "Immortal Memory", will be released this autumn.

From humble beginnings in Naperville Illinois, the McNulty School of Irish Dance has grown into one of the largest, most active dance schools in the Midwest. Founded by Barbara McNulty T.C.R.G. in 1971, enrollment has since increased to over 450 students throughout the Midwest. The School currently offers classes in over 15 locations in Northern and Central Illinois as well as Iowa.

Ms. McNulty is recognized by An Coimisiun (the Irish Dance Commission in Dublin Ireland) and the North American and Mid-American Irish Dance Teachers Associations. She is fully certified to teach Irish Step Solo, Figure, and Ceili dancing. Because of these accreditations, McNulty students are eligible to compete in sanctioned Irish Dance competitions throughout the world.

The program is designed to challenge each dancer to achieve his or her personal best - both on and off the dance floor. Students develop concentration skills, coordination, and self-confidence that serve them well in all facets of life. Whether a person has ambitions to compete in Irish dance, perform publicly, or simply to dance for the fun of it, the group helps each individual reach his or her goals.

The McNulty School approaches Irish Dance as an art form to be cherished, passed on to children, and shared with the world. They strive to support and encourage dancers by providing praise, discipline and the opportunity to perform.

The McNulty School offers classes for all ages and experience levels, including teen and adult beginners, and "boys only" classes in many locations. All students have the opportunity to perform and compete. Dancers begin learning in the Irish soft dance shoes, and then progress to heavy shoe dances over time. Students will enjoy learning both solo and team dances.

For the Irish-American family, dance is a great way to stay connected with one's heritage. Yet, Irish dance offers tremendous opportunities to all students, regardless of cultural or ethnic background.

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Elgin, IL - Heartland Voices presents MUSIC OF THE HEART, the opening concert of the Sixth Season for the critically acclaimed Fox Valley choral ensemble. This concert will be performed on Saturday, November 6, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 216 East Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL.

Headlining this inspirational concert is Holocaust Cantata: Songs from the Camps composed by Donald McCullough. This work contains writings found in the United States Holocaust Museum archives that were written by prisoners while incarcerated in concentration camps and represent different people and times in the camps. They were then set to traditional Jewish melodies in this haunting work.

The second half of this concert features talented cantors from the area, including Cantor Alan Smolen, Cantor Lisa Doob, Cantor Michelle Drucker Friedman and Cantor Stewart Figa in traditional and familiar settings. Five Hebrew Love Songs by Eric Whitacre, Hashkiveinu by Stephen Richards, and Avinu Shebashamayim by Meir Finkelstein are all featured as well as the well-known Sim Shalom or Prayer for Peace composed by Chicago's Max Janowsky. Please join Heartland Voices for this inspiring look at the Jewish Heritage.

Cantor Alan M. Smolen, Elgin, former cantor and spiritual leader of Congregation Kneseth Israel, Elgin, IL and holds a Master of Arts degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. A member of the Cantors Assembly, the Chicago-Milwaukee Association of Synagogue Musicians and the Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders, he is involved in a diverse spectrum of Jewish and Interfaith endeavors. Cantor Smolen is also a chaplain with the Elgin Police Department, serves on the Clergy Advisory Committee for District U-46 and has been recorded and published locally and nationally.

Cantor Lisa Doob, Olympia Fields, IL, graduated from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City where she received both her Master of Sacred Music degree and her cantorial investiture from the Reform Movement. She serves at Temple Anshe Sholom where her duties include co-officiating at life cycle events and weekly Shabbat and holiday services; training students for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony; teaching the liturgy, ethics, music and choirs for all ages; planning musical events; and participating in community outreach committees and events. Cantor Doob has toured in Jerusalem, Baltimore, New York City, Canada and the Chicago area and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Women of Reform Judaism award.

Cantor Michelle Drucker Friedman, Chicago, serves at the Emanuel Congregation in Chicago. After completing her undergraduate degree, Cantor Drucker Friedman went on to tour in Sweeney Todd; her other theatre credits include Tony N' Tina's Wedding as Donna Marsala and also on television as Natasha on The Magic Door for CBS. In addition to her Synagogue duties, she serves as Vice president of the Chicago-Milwaukee Association of Synagogue Musicians.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization and is excited to have the Elgin Courier News, the Grand Victoria Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Illinois Arts Council, and the City of Elgin as generous sponsors for their 2004-2005 season.

Join Heartland Voices as they open their Sixth Season and promote their love of music. Seating is general admission and the doors open at 7:00 P.M. Tickets for this concert are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors, students 17 and under, and groups of twelve or more. To order tickets, call Heartland Voices at 847.429.9486, or visit their web page at www.heartlandvoices.org. Heartland Voices, the Fox Valley's critically acclaimed choral ensemble, announces its Sixth Season, a season of concerts that will appeal to the whole family.

Elgin, IL - Heartland Voices, the Fox Valley's critically acclaimed choral ensemble, announces its Sixth Season, a season of concerts that will appeal to the whole family.

On Saturday, November 6, 2004 at 7:30 pm, Heartland Voices presents MUSIC OF THE HEART. This concert presents the Fox Valley Premiere of the Holocaust Cantata: Songs from the Camp by Donald McCullogh. Taken from songs found in the United States Holocaust Museum, this work contains poems and letters written by prisoners while incarcerated in the concentration camps set to traditional melodies. The second half of the concert features traditional Jewish songs and hymns about life. Cantor Alan Smolen, Cantor Lisa Doob and Hazzan Roger Weisberg will assist heartland Voices in this compelling look at life in the camps and this celebration of Jewish heritage. This concert will be presented in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Elgin, 216 East Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL.

Ring in the holidays with HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, two concerts filled with festive holiday music for the whole family on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at3:00 pm. and 7:30 pm. Both concerts will be presented in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 216 East Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL.

At 3:00 pm, Heartland Voices will perform a very special concert for the family, sponsored by the Elgin Financial Foundation. Heartland Voices will be joined by the Intermezzo Choir of the Elgin Children's Chorus, directed by Gay Rupert. The Clare Woods Academy Choir, directed by Anita Schneider, will also join them. The Clare Woods Academy will also be the recipient of Heartland Voices's Annual Holiday Charity Drive. Children bringing books for classroom libraries will be admitted to the concert free of charge.

At 7:30 pm, Heartland Voices presents its highly acclaimed evening concert, surrounded by an unparalleled candlelight atmosphere. Beautiful new arrangements of the songs of the season, along with an audience sing-a-long of all the traditional favorites, help get the holidays started. Join Heartland Voices for an evening of celebration, warmth and joy as they share the spirit of giving.

On Saturday, April 9, 2005 at 7:30 pm, the season concludes with OPERA MEETS BROADWAY: an Encore, a very unique concert showcasing the talents and versatility of the membership of Heartland Voices. Featuring all new solos, ensembles and choruses, let soaring soloists, exhilarating ensembles and stirring choruses again transport you to La Scala, Bayreuth, the Met, Forty-Second Street and the other great Opera and Broadway concert halls of the world from the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 216 East Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization and is pleased to have the Courier News as their Season Media Sponsor. The Grand Victoria Foundation, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Illinois Arts Council, and the City of Elgin are also sponsors for their 2004-2005 season.

Join Heartland Voices as they share their season and their love of song. For ticket information or to schedule an audition, call the hot line at 847.429.9486, or visit Heartland Voices' web page at www.heartlandvoices.org.

Elgin, IL - Join Heartland Voices in their season finale, 'Eternal Hope,' as they present Requiem by both Gabriel Faure and John Rutter. Directed by Dr. John G. Slawson, this performance features Dr. Paul J. Satre on organ and soloists Laura Johnson, soprano, and George F. Levar, baritone, as well as the Illinois Chamber Symphony. This special concert is presented on Saturday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL.

Requiem by Gabriel Faure follows the text of the traditional requiem mass, but it sets them in a precious setting made more to celebrate the assumption into heaven then the descent into the abyss. It soothes and pleads, thrills and captivates as it looks for reassurance that those whose life is being celebrated is being delivered to heaven. Faure ends his Requiem with a vision of paradise.

Rutter's Requiem also takes texts from the requiem mass, but he combines them with settings from Psalm 130 and Psalm 23. He begins with a quiet, prayerful request of the Lord, but then cries out for deliverance and shakes the heavens. "The Lord is My Shepherd" (Psalm 23) is stunning, combining choir with solo oboe and the Requiem concludes with a heart-rending plea for the Lord's eternal light to come to us all.

Dr. Paul J. Satre, organ, is Professor of Music at the School of Music at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, and is the accompanist for Heartland Voices. A graduate of Trinity University, he received the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts Degrees in piano performance from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Dr. Satre teaches courses in church music and Hymnology at the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is on the editorial board of Creator Magazine, a periodical for church musicians. Dr. Satre has performed as accompanist and soloist in the United States, Europe and Japan and is the principal organist for the Moody Church in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Laura Johnson, soprano, teaches choral music at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream and is the assistant director of the Cathedral Choir at the First United Methodist Church of Elgin. She has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master's in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Mrs. Johnson has sung with the St. Charles Singers since 1990, studies voice with Maria Lagios in Naperville, and has soloed for the Elgin Choral Union and numerous churches in the Fox Valley.

George F. Levar, baritone, has performed as a soloist in Handel's Messiah at both Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin and twice with the Milwaukee Catholic Symphony, as soloist in Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs with the Mastersingers of Milwaukee, and can also be heard in the Chicago area performing with Cantate, a mixed chamber choir. Mr. Levar has been a member of and a frequent soloist with Heartland Voices since its inception. His previous choral experience includes six seasons with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, as well as Great Lakes Opera, the Capitol Hill Choral Society of Washington D.C. and others. Currently a student of Andrew Schultze at Columbia College, Mr. Levar has studied voice since 1983.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization of professional and professionally trained singers who are dedicated to the performance of quality, diverse choral literature for the educational and community interests of Kane, DuPage, and western Cook counties. The expert baton of Dr. John G. Slawson, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Elgin Community College, leads the ensemble.

This concert is sponsored in part with generous grants from the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the Illinois Arts Council, as well as generous in kind support from the Elgin Courier News.

Join Heartland Voices for this special evening. Seating is general admission and doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door and are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors, students 17 and under, and for groups of six or more. Tickets may also be ordered by calling our box office at 847-429-9486 or by visiting Heartland Voices' web page at www.heartlandvoices.com.

In the right hands, some seasonal songs explode into a montage of crystal-clear images. Taken together, these forms and figures can convey immediately understandable emotions - one being the shared sense of joy involved in making music.

All the right hands were assembled Saturday afternoon at First United Methodist Church in Elgin.

Heartland Voices, in collaboration with the Elgin Children's Chorus, staged a celestially captivating holiday event, more sacred than secular - appropriate enough, given the setting.

From its synchronized entry to a series of exquisitely layered harmonies, the adult ensemble created a winter wonderland of exalted song - nevermind that the temperature outside was more mid-March than mid-December.

In part, Saturday's concert, "Home Is Where the Heart Is," benefited the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin. Children bringing books and board games to the concert were admitted free.

Early on, the pitch-perfect presentation featured a roof-raising rendition of O Come, All Ye Faithful. With the Elgin Children's Chorus singing from the church sanctuary, members of Heartland Voices lined the rectangular balcony, creating an entire semicircle of spectacular sound.

While the church is large enough to allow an ample amount of festive feeling, it's small enough to establish an intimate relationship between audience and artist.

And the polished performers who collectively call themselves Heartland Voices certainly are artists, expertly phrasing each and every note Saturday, particularly during the singing of Gloria.

Led by artistic director John Slawson, the elegant ensemble swayed slowly forward, focusing on the melodic lines of what would become a soaring, soul-stirring flight.

Slawson is regarded as among the very best choral conductors in northern Illinois. He brings ability and zest to whichever work is being covered. It's a stylized synergy that can ignite a performance.

Saturday's show, in fact, became a sort of holy fire, burning brightly from song to song, including Joy to the World, This Christmastide and Silent Night.

Heartland Voices is a nonprofit organization consisting of professional and professionally trained singers from throughout the Chicago area.

For information or tickets to the next Heartland Voices concert, call (847) 429-9486 or visit www.heartlandvoices.com.

Elgin, IL - Ring in the Holidays with Home Is Where the Heart Is, Heartland Voices's fourth annual Christmas concerts. Filled with festive holiday music for the whole family, these two special concerts are presented on Saturday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL.

At 3:00 p.m., Heartland Voices will present a very special concert for the family, and will once again be joined by the Intermezzo Choir of the Elgin Children's Chorus, directed by Gay Rupert. In association with this family concert, Heartland Voices has joined with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Elgin to share the magic of the holidays with children of the community. Any child bringing a new book or toy in its original package will be admitted to the concert free of charge.

At 7:30 p.m., Heartland Voices will present its traditional evening concert surrounded by an unparalleled candlelight atmosphere. The ensemble will perform Gloria by John Rutter, accompanied by their accompanist, Dr. Paul J. Satre, on organ and the Horizon Brass, directed by Bruce Daugherty. Also included in the program are The Lamb by John Tavener, Quatre Motets pour le temps de Noel by Francis Poulenc, new arrangements of Deck the Hall, Angels We Have Heard and the Coventry Carol and wonderful holiday arrangements set with guitar and accompanied by Thomas Clippert.

A number of traditional holiday favorites will be included in the program and the audience will participate in the singing of other favorite familiar carols, accompanied by Dr. Paul Satre on the 1926 Austin pipe organ. The audience will also be invited to join the musicians at a reception immediately following the concert to share in the holiday spirit

These concerts are sponsored in part with generous grants from the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the Illinois Arts Council, as well as generous in kind support from the Elgin Courier News.

Join Heartland Voices as they share the joy of the season. Seating is general admission, and doors open at 2:30 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and prices for the 3:00 p.m. performance are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children under age 12. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors and students. Tickets may also be ordered by calling our box office at 847.429.9486, or by visiting Heartland Voices' web page at www.heartlandvoices.com.

Elgin, IL - On October 19, 2002, Heartland Voices will open its fourth concert season "Journeys" with the Fox Valley premiere of Sing for the Cure™: A Proclamation of Hope which will begin at 7:30 p.m. and be presented in the auditorium of Larkin High School, 1475 Larkin Avenue, Elgin, IL.

Commissioned for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 2000, Sing for the Cure™: A Proclamation of Hope explores the heartache and emotional roller coaster of dealing with breast cancer. "The movements and narrations have been written by survivors of breast cancer and their families," according to Dr. John Slawson, Artistic Director for Heartland Voices. "It will be a true test both physically and mentally for the group." The movements include "Borrowed Time (Facing Diagnosis)", "Valse Caprice (Finding Humor in Treatment)", "Who Will Curl My Daughter's Hair (The Mother's Voice)" and "Groundless Ground (Pursuing a Cure)."

Heartland Voices is excited to have 27-year breast cancer survivor, Betty Rollin, as the narrator for this concert. Author of First, You Cry, her moving best seller about breast cancer and treatment, Ms. Rollin is a Contributing Correspondent for NBC News. Heartland Voices will also be joined by the Illinois Chamber Symphony, directed by Terrence Gray, and the Larkin High School Girls Chorus, directed by Sue Smentowski and Roz Zager. Sponsors for this emotion-charged concert include Sherman Health Systems, the Elgin Courier News, the Elgin Financial Foundation and WDCB-FM Radio at the College of DuPage. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors, students under 17, and groups of six or more. To order tickets, call Heartland Voices at 1.847.429.9486 or visit their website at www.heartlandvoices.com.

The Sing for the Cure concert is the final event of "Sing for the Cure: A Breast Cancer Awareness Event", a special day sponsored by Sherman Health Systems and Heartland Voices promoting breast cancer awareness in Elgin. Events during "Tea for Two: Awareness for Both of You" include: Early Detection and Prevention of Breast Cancer, Nutrition as a Tool for Cancer Prevention, a Survivor's Panel entitled "Let's talk Through It," a Yoga Demonstration presented by a Certified Yoga Instructor, a special presentation by Y-Me™ entitled "Just For Teens: A Guide to Breast Health" and Sally Strohsal will present "Inner Voices" Music and Imagy in Healing. Exhibitors will be there with information from many organizations including the Total Home Health's Rose Room, White Sage, Wellness Place, Y-Me™ and Centro de Informacion. Marilyn Sandes of Sherman Hospital will provide a tour of the Mammography facility. The morning concludes with a luncheon featuring Betty Rollin as the keynote speaker. All of the morning events will be held at Sherman Hospital, 934 Center Street, Elgin, Illinois. For information about the morning events and luncheon, call Sherman Health Systems at 1.800.397.9000.

Heartland Voices consists of professional and professionally trained singers from the greater Chicago area committed to excellence in choral performance. They are led by Dr. John G. Slawson, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Elgin Community College, and accompanied by Dr. Paul Satre, Professor of Music at the School of Music at Trinity International University and principal organist at the Moody Church of Chicago. Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization and is pleased to have received grants from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Illinois Arts Council for their 2002-2003 season. Join Heartland Voices as they begin their season and share their love of song.

For other concert information, call Heartland Voices at 847.429.9486, or visit their web page at www.heartlandvoices.com.

About Betty Rollin: Betty Rollin is a Contributing Correspondent for NBC News and has been a correspondent for NBC News "Today." In addition, she is an accomplished author. Rollin's special reports for "Nightly News" have included a series on the Indians of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, which won both the DuPont and Emmy awards.

Ms. Rollin is the author of six books, including First, You Cry, the best selling story about her breast cancer and mastectomy. Published in 1976, it was the first book of its kind and just republished in 2000 in honor of her being cancer free for 25 years. Ms. Rollin is also the author of Last Wish, another bestseller, which dealt with the suicide of her terminally ill mother.

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Elgin, IL - Heartland Voices, the Fox Valley's critically acclaimed choral ensemble, announces its 2002-2003 season, Journeys. Join Heartland Voices on a choral exploration of life, hope and happiness.

Saturday, October 19, 2002 @ 7:30 pm, join Heartland Voices for "Sing for the Cure™: A Proclamation of Hope." This concert concludes a day of workshops and activities promoting Breast Cancer Awareness, sponsored by Heartland Voices and Sherman Health Systems at Sherman Hospital in Elgin. NBC National Correspondent Betty Rollin, a twenty-five year breast cancer survivor, will be the special narrator for the concert, which explores the heartache and the emotional roller coaster of dealing with breast cancer. The Larkin High School Girls Chorus, directed by Sue Smentowski and Roz Zager, will join Heartland Voices for this special event. Also joining Heartland Voices will be the Illinois Chamber Symphony, under the baton of Terence Gray. The concert will be held in the auditorium of Larkin High School, 1475 Larkin Avenue, Elgin, IL.

Ring in the holidays with HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, two concerts filled with festive holiday music for the whole family on Saturday, December 14, 2002 @ 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm. These concerts feature Gloria by John Rutter, accompanied by brass and organ, and will be presented in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 216 East Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL.

At 3:00 pm, Heartland Voices will present a very special concert for children, and will again be joined by the Intermezzo Choir of the Elgin Children's Chorus, directed by Gay Rupert. In conjunction with this concert, Heartland Voices is joining with the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin to bring the magic of the holidays to the children of the community. Any child bringing a new book will be admitted to the concert free of charge. There may even be a surprise visit from one of Heartland's favorite 'jolly' guests.

At 7:30 pm, Heartland Voices presents its highly acclaimed evening concert, surrounded by an unparalleled candlelight atmosphere. Beautiful new arrangements of the songs of the season, along with an audience sing-a-long of all the traditional favorites, will help get the holidays started. Join Heartland Voices for an evening of celebration, warmth and joy as they share the spirit of giving.

On Saturday, April 5, 2003 @ 7:30 pm, the season concludes with ETERNAL HOPE, featuring Requiem by Gabriel Faure' and Requiem by renowned English composer John Rutter. Both works feature Dr. Paul Satre on the historic 1926 Austin Pipe organ. This concert will be performed in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 216 East Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL. Heartland Voices consists of professional and professionally trained singers from the greater Chicago area who are committed to excellence in choral performance. They are led by Dr. John G. Slawson, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Elgin Community College, and accompanied by Dr. Paul Satre, Professor of Music at the School of Music at Trinity International University, and principal organist at the Moody Church of Chicago.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization and is pleased to have the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Illinois Arts Council, and WDCB Radio at College of DuPage as sponsors for their season.

Join Heartland Voices as they share their season and their love of song. For ticket information, or to schedule an audition, call the hotline at 847.429.9486, or visit Heartland's web page at www.heartlandvoices.com.

Elgin, IL - Heartland Voices, the Fox Valley's critically acclaimed choral ensemble, is pleased to announce auditions for new members for its 2002-2003 season. Professionally trained singers of all voice types are encouraged to join Heartland Voices for its fourth season. Please prepare one selection for the audition, an accompanist will be provided; some sight-reading and tonal memory will also be included. Audition appointments can be scheduled by calling the Heartland Voices hotline at 847-429-9486. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7-9:30pm at the First United Methodist Church of Elgin. For further information about Heartland Voices, check out their website at www.heartlandvoices.com.

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Elgin, IL – Heartland Voices, the Fox Valley's critically acclaimed choral ensemble, is pleased to announce their 2001-2002 season, INTO THE LIGHT.

Saturday, November 3, 2001@ 7:30 pm, join Heartland Voices for ABOVE AND BEYOND, as they honor America's veterans and celebrate the American spirit with choral works representing war, peace, patriotism, death, life, and spiritual afterlife. Patriotic selections will include Stars and Stripes, Battle Hymn of the Republic and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. They will also perform very emotional and moving pieces that include Carissimi's JEPTHE, about the triumphs and laments of war for the Israelites, Bestor's haunting Prayer of the Children from the Bosnian war, Hebrew selections representing the Holocaust, and more uplifting spirituals, such as Sing Me To Heaven by Daniel Gawthrop. An unforgettable concert that is sure to reinforce the pride in America, move the spirit and uplift the soul.

Ring in the holidays with HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, two concerts filled with festive holiday music for the whole family on Saturday, December 8, 2001 @ 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm.

At 3:00 pm, Heartland Voices will present a very special concert for children, and will once again be joined by the Intermezzo Choir of the Elgin Children's Chorus, directed by Gay Rupert. In conjunction with this concert, Heartland is joining with the Community Crisis Center to bring the magic of the holidays to the children of the community. Any child bringing a new toy in its original package will be admitted to the concert free of charge. There may even be a surprise visit from one of Heartland's favorite "jolly" guests.

At 7:30 pm, Heartland Voices presents its highly acclaimed evening concert, surrounded by an unparalleled candlelight atmosphere. Beautiful new arrangements of the songs of the season, along with an audience sing-a-long of all the traditional favorites, will help get the holidays started. Join Heartland Voices for an evening of celebration, warmth and joy as they share the spirit of giving.

On Saturday, April 13, 2002 @ 7:30 pm, the season concludes with PERPETUAL LIGHT as Heartland Voices performs the extended work of Lauridsen's LUX AETERNA. Other selections will include William Byrd's anthem, Sing Joyfully Unto God, a madrigal by Thomas Weelkes, Swedish a cappella selections, as well as several very special spirituals. This concert offers a wide variety of quality and diverse literature for all true lovers of choral music. Heartland Voices consists of professional and professionally trained singers from the greater Chicago area who are committed to excellence in choral performance. They are led by Dr. John G. Slawson, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Elgin Community College, and accompanied by Dr. Paul Satre, Professor of Music at the School of Music at Trinity International University, and principal organist at the Moody Church in Chicago.

Join Heartland Voices as they share their season and their love of song. All season concerts are held in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL. For ticket information, or to schedule an audition, call the hot line at 847.429.9486, or visit Heartland’s web page at www.heartlandvoices.com.

Elgin, Illinois - Heartland Voices, the Fox Valley's critically acclaimed choral ensemble, is pleased to present The Gift of Song, filled with the wonderful music of springtime, on Saturday, April 28, 2001, at 7:30 p.m., in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL.

Heartland Voices will be performing a wide variety of literature including, Alleluia by Randall Thompson, Island in Space by Kirke Mechem, The Poet Sings by J. Randall Stroope, Shenandoah by James Erb, I Can Tell the World by Moses Hogan, and a piece sent to them by one of their favorite composers, Stephen Paulus, entitled, Calming the Storm. Heartland Voices will also pay tribute to Alice Parker, whose contributions to the field of choral music influenced choirs and choral directors all over the world.

One of the highlights of the evening will include a special guest appearance by America's newest, professional all-male ensemble, CANTUS. Heartland Voices is proud to be introducing these twelve special men to the Fox Valley. Founded in 1995 at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, and converted to a full-time professional performing ensemble in 2000, CANTUS is dedicated to exalting the human spirit through the performance of innovative and engaging musical programs. Driven by the joy of making music, and a passion for male, a cappella singing that is second to none, these gentlemen have been thrilling audiences all over the country. CANTUS joins Heartland Voices for an inspirational and unforgettable evening of song.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization of professional and professionally trained singers who are committed to excellence in choral performance. Since debuting to rave reviews, they have frequently appeared as featured guest artists for the Illinois Chamber Symphony and the DuPage Opera Theatre, along with schools and community service organizations in the Fox Valley area.

Heartland Voices is led by Dr. John G. Slawson, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Elgin Community College, and accompanied by Dr. Paul Satre, Professor of Music at the School of Music at Trinity International University, and principal organist at the Moody Church in Chicago.

Join Heartland Voices as they share the gift of song. Seating is general admission, and doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and prices are $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors and students. Group rates are also available. Tickets may also be ordered by calling the box office at 847.429.9486, or by visiting Heartland's web page at www.heartlandvoices.com. This concert was sponsored, in part, by a generous grant from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, and the Illinois Arts Council.

Elgin, Illinois - Heartland Voices, the Fox Valley's critically acclaimed vocal ensemble, is pleased to announce its 2000-2001 choral season; YOUNG AT HEART.

Heartland Voices opens its season performing Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms as featured guest artists of the Illinois Chamber Symphony on September 23, 2000 @ 7:30 p.m. at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, St. Charles, Illinois.

On November 4, 2000 @ 7:30 p.m. Heartland presents BACH, BERNSTEIN AND ALL THAT JAZZ, featuring timeless music of the baroque and twentieth centuries, as well as the jazz artistry of Gershwin and Swingle.

To ring in the holidays and back by popular demand, Heartland Voices presents HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, with two special concerts December 9, 2000; a holiday program for children and family at 4:00 p.m. with the Elgin Children's Chorus' Intermezzo Choir, and at 7:30 p.m., Heartland will present it's highly acclaimed candlelight concert.

On February 23, 24, 2001 @ 8:00 p.m., Heartland Voices will once again join the DuPage Opera Theatre as guest artists in Beethoven's Fidelio, with conductor Harold Bauer and The New Philharmonic Orchestra at the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

In celebration of youth and to welcome spring, Heartland Voices present FOREVER YOUNG on March 10, 2001 @ 7:30 p.m. Heartland offers songs of springtime with a tribute to the great composer of spirituals, Jester Hairston, along with a guest appearance by the Jacobs High School Varsity Choir under the direction of one of Heartland's own members, Ann Espel.

As the season comes to a close, Heartland is pleased to introduce you to America's newest, full-time professional male choral ensemble, Cantus, as they appear with Heartland as guest artists for THE GIFT OF SONG, April 28, 2001 @ 7:30 p.m. This will be a wonderful evening of inspirational music for the whole family including special selections by Alice Parker.

Heartland Voices consists of professional and professionally trained singers from the greater Chicagoland area who are committed to quality and excellence in choral performance. Their choral style ranges from jazz to classical, blues to ballad and opera to broadway. After its successful debut in October of 1999, these performers were highly praised by reviewers and audience members alike, and firmly established themselves as one of the premier vocal ensembles in the area. Led by the expert baton of Dr. John G. Slawson, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at Elgin Community College, and accompanied by Dr. Paul Satre, Professor of Music at Trinity International University and principal organist of the Moody Church of Chicago, Heartland Voices is proud to offer a season of celebration for the whole family.

Heartland Voices performs all season series concerts in the beautiful First United Methodist Church, 216 East Highland Avenue, Elgin, Illinois. For ticket information, call our box office at 847.429.9486 or visit our web page at www.heartlandvoices.com.

Elgin, Illinois-Heartland Voices, the Fox Valley's newest chamber chorale, will present Heart of Spring on Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 P.M. This highly acclaimed vocal ensemble will celebrate spring and life's gifts in the magnificent architecture of the First United Methodist Church-downtown historic Elgin.

Heartland Voices will sing a special tribute to choral music enthusiast, Ethel Daeumer- a lifelong resident of the Dundee area and a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church who passed away this past December. Ethel, along with her best friend and husband of forty-one years, Harvey, loved choral music. They loved to sing anytime, anywhere. She also shared her life through many community organizations. Ethel was very active in charity work, volunteering, and social activism in the Elgin area-always keeping a song in her heart.

Ethel's presence and smile are sorely missed. Heartland Voices dedicates a portion of this concert to her memory and to the contributions she and Harvey made to further the choral art. Under the expert baton of Dr. John G. Slawson, professor of music and director of choral studies at Elgin Community College, Heartland Voices will sing a diverse program including Copland's The Promise of Living and Simple Gifts, Paulus' Pilgrims Hymn, Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb, Thompson's The Paper Reeds by the Brook, Hogan's Abide with Me, and much more.

Enjoy a spring evening of inspirational music for the whole family. Come early, because seating is general admission only. Doors open at 6:30 P.M. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students under 18 years of age. Group discounts are available. To order tickets call the box office at 847.429.9486. Join the musicians at a reception immediately following the concert and celebrate spring.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization of forty singers who are dedicated to the performance of quality, diverse choral literature for the educational and community interests of Kane, DuPage, McHenry, and western Cook counties. To audition with Dr. Slawson, call Heartland Voices to schedule an appointment. Performances are scheduled throughout the year. For more information check out the Web site at www.heartlandvoices.com.

Elgin, Illinois—Heartland Voices, the Fox Valley’s newest chamber chorale, will present its 1999 choral and brass holiday concert, Home Is Where the Heart Is, on Saturday December 18 at 7:30 p.m. This highly acclaimed vocal ensemble will perform songs of the season in the beautiful setting of the First United Methodist Church—downtown historic Elgin.

Already being touted as one of the premier ensembles in the area and under the expert baton of Dr. John G. Slawson, professor of music and director of choral studies at Elgin Community College, Heartland Voices will sing a wide variety of music including many holiday classics. Just a few of the selections include Silent Night, O, Come All Ye Faithful, and Hark, the Herald Angels Sing as well as John Rutter’s What Sweeter Music, David Willcocks’ See Amid the Winter’s Snow, Barry Manilow’s Because It’s Christmas, and the Alfred Burt Carols.

The Alfred Burt Carols, one of the evening’s most anticipated works, were originally sent out as original creations on Burt family Christmas cards with no intentions of being published. Over the years, these carols have earned a reputation of being some of the most recorded and performed carols of our time. Dr. Slawson had the opportunity to meet some of the Burt family while he was preparing his master’s thesis on these works which adds even more insight to his artistic direction. He divides Heartland Voices into three choirs to sing the Burt Carols from balconies and stage.

The concert will also feature renowned accompanist, Dr. Paul Satre, in a solo pipe organ performance of Bach’s In Dulce Jubilo. Throughout the evening the audience will be invited to participate in a Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long accompanied by the Horizon Brass Ensemble and the 1926 Austin pipe organ.

Enjoy a festive evening of inspirational holiday music for the whole family. Come early, because seating is general admission only. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students under 18 years of age. Group discounts are available. To order tickets call the box office at 847.429.9486. Join the musicians at a reception immediately following the concert and share the spirit of the season.

Heartland Voices is a not-for-profit organization of forty professionally trained singers who are dedicated to the performance of quality, diverse choral literature for the educational and community interests of Kane, DuPage, McHenry, and western Cook counties. To audition with Dr. Slawson, call Heartland Voices to schedule an appointment. Performances are scheduled throughout the new year. For more information check out the Web site at www.heartlandvoices.com.