The Athena Treble Choir of Stewarts Creek High School has been named a National Finalist for the 2025 Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music, a division of The American Prize. Only two public schools achieved this distinction this year.
The Ernst Bacon Memorial Award honors exceptional performances of American music by ensembles and soloists across various divisions, including professional, collegiate, community, and high school levels. Named after composer Ernst Bacon (1898–1990), the award celebrates artists who embody Bacon’s vision of music that reflects the vitality and spirit of the American experience.
Athena earned this honor for their recording of Voices from the Light by African-American composer Dorothy Rudd Moore. This is the first and only recording of the work and represents only the fifth time this masterwork for choir, string quartet, oboe, and soloists was performed since it was premiered by the Girls Choir of Harlem in 1997.
Dr. Susan Kelly, co-director of choirs at Stewarts Creek High School, expressed her pride in the ensemble's achievement:
“We are deeply honored to be recognized as national finalists for the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award. This acknowledgment reflects our students' dedication to performing Dorothy Rudd Moore’s music with authenticity and passion. It's a testament to their hard work and the vibrant community Stewarts Creek enjoys.”
Ernst Bacon was a pioneering American composer, pianist, and conductor, known for his extensive body of work that includes over 250 songs, symphonies, and chamber pieces. His compositions aimed to capture the essence of American life, steering away from European avant-garde traditions to create music that was both accessible and reflective of the nation's cultural landscape.
The Athena Treble Choir's recognition as a national finalist underscores the ensemble's commitment to excellence in performing American music and highlights the exceptional talent present in public school music programs.
For more information about the award and the list of finalists, visit The American Prize blog:
https://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2025/05/national-finalists-american-music_01195280667.html