Merit School of Music Salutes Renee Fleming at 35th Anniversary Gala Tonight

Celebrating 35 years of providing music education to Chicago children, the Merit School of Music will honor internationally-recognized soprano Renée Fleming at its 35th Anniversary Gala, tonight, May 8, 2014 at 6 p.m. at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets are $500. All proceeds benefit Merit School of Music and its mission to give children - especially children living in economically disadvantaged communities - the opportunity to achieve their full musical and personal potential through accessible, high-quality music education. To reserve tickets, call Merit School of Music, 312. 267.4461.

Guests at the event - which is co-chaired by civic leader and Merit School of Music Life Trustee Judith A. Istock and fellow Life Trustee Richard L. Thomas, Chairman (Retired), First Chicago NBD Corp - will share in the success stories of students and be treated to live performances by a diversity of Merit's soloists and ensembles. Headlining the evening's entertainment is the Carson Elementary Advanced Band from Chicago's Gage Park neighborhood. As a member of Merit's Bridges program, Carson Elementary hosts Merit educators at the school to not only train students to develop musical potential, but also help students grow as young citizens with a quest for excellence and a curiosity about the world.

In addition to honoring Fleming with Merit's Alice S. Pfaelzer Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts, JPMorgan Chase also will be recognized with a 2014 Corporate Leadership Award for its continued work with Merit School of Music over the past 35 years.

Rounding out this special evening are a cocktail reception with an open bar and hors d'oeuvres, a delicious sit-down dinner, and the chance to dance late into the evening at an After Party hosted by the Merit Alumni Committee featuring live music performed by the Merit Honors Jazz Ensemble.

Guests also will be able to read small notes of tribute from Merit School of Music alumni to the faculty members who have helped guide their musical expertise and careers beyond the school.

For its unwavering support of the school's mission, Merit thanks the 50 members of its 2014 Board of Trustees, led by Board Chair J. Barry Mitchell, Vice Chairs Ellard L. Pfaelzer, Jr. and Adrius K. Strimaitis, Treasurer Marlon Smith, Secretary Charles K. Huebner, Executive Director Thomas F. Bracy and President Duffie A. Adelson. Chicago Splash is the Gala's print sponsor.

For up to date event information, follow the Gala on Twitter at @MeritMusic using the hashtag #Merit35, and "like" the school on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MeritSchoolofMusic.

For more information about Merit's 35th Anniversary Gala, contact Merit Director of Development Rita McLennon, 312.267.4461 or rmclennon@meritmusic.org, or visit meritmusic.org/support-merit.

About Renée Fleming: "Merit School of Music is thrilled to salute four-time Grammy winner Renée Fleming for her outstanding leadership in supporting accessible, high-quality arts education in Chicago and nationwide," said gala co-chair Istock. "Not only is she one of the most beloved musical ambassadors of our time, Renée is making an incredibly significant contribution in Chicago - partnering with Merit to mentor our most talented music students, and helping train our next generation of opera and musical theater stars."

While many will recognize Fleming as the singer of the national anthem at this year's Super Bowl, she has worked closely with Merit since 2011, significantly expanding the school's vocal music curriculum by spearheading a collaboration with Lyric Opera of Chicago, where she is also a member of the Board and a Vice President. Due to Fleming's efforts, 36 students in Merit's Solo Voice Program, along with 332 other of Merit's most elite conservatory students, now have the opportunity to participate in a variety of Lyric Opera offerings, including attending performances, rehearsals, Q&A sessions with Fleming and other performers, career days and pre-curtain presentations. Fleming also conducts periodic master classes at Merit and works with voice students, listening to their singing and offering advice and encouragement.

About Merit School of Music: Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2013-2014, Merit School of Music is nationally recognized for providing accessible, high-quality music education to nearly 5,000 Chicago-area students.

Merit School of Music is devoted to giving children-especially children living in economically disadvantaged communities-the opportunity to grow through music. As part of Merit's commitment to providing access to a high quality music education, substantial financial support is provided to young musicians through program subsidies, need-based tuition relief, low-cost instrument rental, and music supplies so that motivated students can participate in every program regardless of their economic circumstance. The goal is to ensure that children, regardless of their family income, have access to high quality music education and all of its benefits in developing personally as well asmusically.

Photo Credit: Decca/Andrew Eccles