The sun rays bounced off the gable roof and the melodies of Bach, Beach, and Beethoven floated through the open wooden doors of St. John’s Chapel in the Old Irving Park community. The floor was painted in a tapestry of colors shining down from the numerous stained-glass windows. Neighbors out for their Sunday afternoon stroll took a detour to sit and enjoy the notes dancing from young students’ fingers, marveling at their talent and youthful virtuosity.
This was the picturesque scene of the Emerging Artists Chicago Spring Recital on June 2, 2024. Featuring students from both Merit School of Music and the studio of renowned concert pianist and teacher Mio Nakamura, the concert was a celebration of a year of hard work and dedication from the day’s performers. Throughout the afternoon, the stage was graced by an array of talent, each performer bringing their unique flair and interpretation to the forefront. According to Stephanie Huang, a piano Conservatory student and recurring participant in the Emerging Artist Recital Series, “Playing in [the space] felt like an alleviating experience that allowed for peace of mind to flourish.” Another recital performer and Conservatory student, Nicole Yu, expressed, “The Emerging Artists Recital is a great opportunity to play for more people and gain more experience performing.”
Now in its third year, Merit is so grateful for our partnership with Emerging Artists Chicago and the collaborative work they do to provide financial and educational support to over a dozen Merit students each year. The organization’s goal to drive positive change through creating a safe community for young musicians goes hand-in-hand with Merit’s mission, making our combined work even more impactful. As Merit’s Piano Department Chair Dr. Elena Doubovitskaya explained, “The additional recital opportunities the Merit Emerging Artist Scholars are offered throughout the city not only provide valuable performance experiences for the students, but they help to share the amazing work and impact of both organizations throughout Chicago.” Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, Merit is excited to continue collaborating with Emerging Artists Chicago to further the impact of the musical arts and promise of young musicians throughout our neighborhoods.
