A grand night for an arts patron
David Ziegler attended more classical music concerts as a boy than any child he knew. Not surprising, since his mother, Phyllis Ziegler and his late father, James Ziegler, were some of the area's biggest fine arts boosters.
"Both my parents appreciated the arts and felt it was important to give their time and resources to help support them in the community," the Elgin resident said.
This month, the Heartland Voices will honor Phyllis' longtime commitment to the local arts community with a special concert, "A Grand Night For Singing," at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin.
"A Grand Night for Singing" will be performed by an ensemble of eight Heartland Voices singers: Cami Gerwen of Bartlett, Emily Smith of Algonquin, Patricia Buerger of Elgin, Denise Driscoll of Bartlett, Arlayne Pekofske of Naperville, Stephen Hommowun of St. Charles, Ken Kordick of Elgin and Ben Stoner of Elgin.
The revue features 30 songs by Broadway composers Rogers and Hammerstein. While many selections are from the duo's best-loved shows, including "Oklahoma" and "The King and I," the program contains a few surprises.
"Most of the music is very well-known but it also includes songs from shows you may not be familiar with, so some of the music will be new to audiences," said Heartland Voices Artistic Director John Slawson.
All of the music centers on the show's theme, love, and its many forms.
"There's young love, the love between parents and children, and love when you grow older. It's a loose thread that runs throughout the show," Slawson said.
The event is also a benefit for the 40-member not-for-profit Heartland Voices and features a silent auction, pre-concert hors d'oeuvres and wine, served by Heartland Voices singers, beginning at 6 p.m.
"It's a nice opportunity for the audience to talk with our singers, enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres and just have a very pleasant evening," Slawson said.
The evening will also include a presentation for Phyllis Ziegler, whom Slawson has known for 10 years.
"She's a very classy woman, one of the grand dames of Elgin," he said.
Music and singing have been Phyllis Ziegler's passions for most of her life, said her son David. She studied music at Lawrence College in Appleton, Wis., and at the University of Illinois in Urbana, where she earned her degree.
She married James Ziegler, who had also earned a music degree from Illinois State University. While James entered the hardware business, Phyllis served as the choir director at First United Methodist Church for 10 years. "I sang in the children's choir under her," said David.
She has also been a supporter of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the Elgin Choral Union and was the first chairwoman to serve on the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission after it was formed in the early 1990s. She has been honored by Altrusa and the Elgin YWCA for her community involvement.
When Slawson launched the Heartland Voices in 1999, Phyllis Ziegler was one of the group's earliest backers. She faithfully attended the group's concerts and encouraged others to do the same. When financial support was needed, she gave it. The one thing she didn't offer was unsolicited advice.
"She doesn't try to tell others what they should do, although she will sometimes suggest musical numbers she'd like to hear and I try to accommodate her," said Slawson.
Phyllis Ziegler's love for music has been passed along. David has performed as part of the Elgin Community College steel drum band, and granddaughter Jean plays clarinet in her school band in Amelia Island, Fla.
"We're all very proud of our mother for sharing her passion for arts in the community," said David Zielger.
If you go
What: "A Grand Night For Singing," a performance by the Heartland Voices
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin
Ticket information: Call (847) 429-9486 or visit heartlandvoices.org. Tickets are $40; seating is limited.