UC Irvine Choirs Named Finalists in the American Prize

Ensembles receive national recognition in choral performance

The UC Irvine Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Irene Messoloras, professor in the Department of Music, have been named a finalist in the 2024 American Prize competition. The award, presented by The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, honors outstanding performing artists, directors, ensembles and composers across the United States.

"The American Prize is one of the few national awards recognizing outstanding choral programs,” shared Messoloras. “Being chosen as a 2024 finalist in the categories of choral performance and the Bacon Award for American Music is a tremendous honor for UC Irvine. This recognition caps off a truly successful year for our ensembles."

The ensemble is a finalist in two categories: the American Prize in Choral Performance — college/university division (smaller program) and the American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music (smaller college/university ensemble & conductor division). 

In addition to Dr. Messoloras’ work with the Chamber Singers, she is nominated for her work with The Hour of Power Choir, which has been named a finalist in the American Prize in Choral Performance — community division. 

Winners of the American Prize competition will be announced soon. For more information about the organization, visit their website at theamericanprize.org.