Jeff Award winner Tom Vendafreddo joins Elgin Master Chorale to celebrate Bernstein Centennial Feb. 2

The Elgin Master Chorale invites young and old alike to celebrate the life of composer, pianist, conductor and American musical icon Leonard Bernstein at a special all-Bernstein concert at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, in the Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College.

The sixth in what has become an annual series of "Educational Connections" concerts, the "Life and Music of Leonard Bernstein" observes the centennial of his birth year. The concert will feature many of Bernstein's most enduring works, including songs from "West Side Story," the "Chichester Psalms," "Candide," and Bernstein's "Mass."

Joining the EMC Chamber Singers and conductor Jon Warfel for the concert are Jeff Award winner Tom Vendafreddo and singer/actress Zoe Nadal. Vendafreddo will serve as the event's emcee. He and Nadal will perform solos along with the choir.

School and senior groups of 10 or more are invited to attend the concert free, and are asked to call (847) 214-7225 to reserve tickets. The general public may purchase tickets for the concert by calling the same phone number or visiting ElginMasterChorale.org.

Concert Features Dynamic Guest Artists

Currently serving as music director of the Broadway Series at Aurora's Paramount Theater, Tom Vendafreddo is a strong and versatile performer and educator with degrees from the Eastman School of Music and San Diego State University. He recently won a Jefferson Award for his musical direction of "Sweeney Todd" at the Paramount. He has performed sold-out shows at venues such as Davenport's Piano Bar and the Logan Square Arts Center. A northwest suburban native, Vendafreddo continues to work regionally on the West and East Coasts, as well as throughout the Midwest.

A 2015 graduate of Northwestern University in musical theater, Los Angeles native Zoe Nadal performs throughout the Chicago area, most notably in Paramount Theatre's recent production of "West Side Story" in the lead role of Maria.

About the Elgin Master Chorale

Founded in 1947, the Elgin Master Chorale is a cultural cornerstone of Elgin and the Fox Valley creating a thrilling, emotional experience for audiences at each performance by achieving an overall level of excellence in singing, presentation and production. Elgin Master Chorale is comprised of approximately 100 adult singers - admitted by audition only - who share a passion for choral masterworks and other fine choral repertoire. To learn more, please visit ElginMasterChorale.org.