Chicago, IL —Chicago a cappella welcomed a record 350 attendees to its benefit event on May 21, 2009, Elegant/Swellegant: an a cappella evening with George, Cole and Irving. The event was held under the Tiffany dome of the Chicago Cultural Center, where guests enjoyed a musical program of Gershwin, Porter and Berlin, along with hors d’oeuvres, wines, and desserts. All proceeds supported the artistic operations of Chicago a cappella.

Chicago a cappella honored 98.7 WFMT Radio, Chicago’s classical radio station, with its annual Tribute Award for the station’s commitment to Chicago-area ensembles and their support of choral music. General Manager Steve Robinson and Morning Program Host Carl Grapentine accepted the award on behalf of the station. Chicago a cappella’s Tribute Award honors an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to choral music in the Chicago area. Past honorees include Anne Heider (2006), Richard Proulx (2007) and Duain Wolfe (2008). The ensemble also presented its 2009 Friend of the Year Award to James Ginsburg, Founder and President of Cedille Records. Cedille is dedicated to preserving Chicago’s musical heritage by documenting the work of its finest musicians, ensembles, and composers. Chicago a cappella has recorded two CDs for Cedille Records, including its most recent release, Christmas a cappella: Songs from Around the World.

Chicago a cappella is one of the area’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles, spanning a repertoire from Gregorian chant to the Beatles and beyond. Founder and artistic director Jonathan Miller is the recipient of a Louis Botto Award from Chorus America for his innovative action and entrepreneurial zeal in developing a professional choral ensemble. The ensemble has received rave reviews nationally for its seven CDs, and has been hailed as “a jewel in the crown of Chicago’s musical life” (The American Organist). Chicago a cappella’s 2009-10 season features four concert programs, each performed in Chicago, Evanston, Naperville, and Oak Park. For tickets and information call (773) 755-1628 or visit www.chicagoacappella.org

More information

Download high-resolution photos from Elegant/Swellegant.

See more photos from the event on our Facebook page.

View the video tribute to 98.7 WFMT Radio.

Read Jonathan Miller's remarks in honor of our Friend of the Year, James Ginsburg.

View past Tribute Award videos.