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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Art Talk – Voices of benevolence

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Imagine you woke up and discovered you never had to work again. How would you spend your new-found time? You might pursue your hobby or maybe start a club of your own. Perhaps you would volunteer at a local organization or use your skills to mentor others.

If you were Philip Spencer, you would do all of the above. Upon retiring from a lively career as an established musician, Spencer began planning his next endeavor: a choir showcasing both professional and amateur singers wherein concert profits support local service organizations. The experience he gained from his 30-plus years as a college-level music instructor served him well as he began transforming his vocation into his avocation, and soon NaperVoice was born.

“I wanted to form this new philanthropic choir to give back to the community and provide an opportunity for singers to perform a variety of excellent music,” said the 28-year Naperville resident. “Pairing a compelling cause with the possibility of compensation for the vocalist was an important part of my plan, and carrying it out will allow me to continue doing something that I truly love.”

One look at Spencer’s curriculum vitae will reveal the depth of his devotion. A graduate of the Yale University School of Music, he completed additional doctoral work in choral conducting at the University of Iowa. Spencer spent the next 20 years as a full-time professor of music, director of choral and vocal music, and instructor of voice at Joliet Junior College, where he was given the honor of Emeritus. He also earned the St. Genesius Award “for extraordinary achievement in choral music and music education” from Lewis University.

Equipped with all he needed to move forward, Spencer recruited his wife, Pam, to serve as NaperVoice’s vice president. Together they announced plans for the inaugural concert in November 2022 which will feature works of Johannes Brahms, Eric Whitacre, Caroline Shaw, Jake Runestad, Rosephayne Powell, and several other notable composers.

With a performance date around the corner, a call-for-artists is now in progress. Professional and amateur vocalists of 18 and older are encouraged to visit the website (napervoice.org/auditions) and apply. Selected performers will support the organization’s trademarked mission of Sing well. Do Good.™

Spencer is optimistic about the future. “I think people are eager to sing again after literally holding our breath the past two years!”

And, one would think, the audiences are eager to listen.

NaperVoice
napervoice@gmail.com
www.napervoice.org

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Debbie Venezia
Debbie Veneziahttp://www.artsdupage.org
Debbie Venezia is the Director of Arts DuPage, a DuPage Foundation initiative. Contact her at debbie@dupagefoundation.org or visit www.artsdupage.org.

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