
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Laurie Mellas, 277-5915
February 23, 2006
Gospel Great to Conduct UNM Choirs in Benefit Performances
Gospel sensation Robert J. Ray will be guest conductor for a gala benefit concert at the University of New Mexico this spring. The event will help establish an endowed choral scholarship in Ray's name earmarked for African American music students, announced UNM Prof. of Music Bradley Ellingboe.
Ray, professor of music at the University of Missouri at St. Louis , will lead the University Chorus and UNM Women's Chorus Las Cantantes in performances of his "Gospel Mass" and "Gospel Magnificent," Tuesday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at Popejoy Hall. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 UNM faculty and staff, $15 students and senior citizens, and available at UNM ticket offices or www.tickets.com.
A second benefit concert will be held Sunday, April 23, at 3 p.m. at the Rio Rancho High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10, children 12 and under are free; available only at the door. Both are official Albuquerque Tricentennial events.
Ray annually conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and travels the world giving lectures, workshops and presentations on African-American music. He has performed as a solo pianist with the Seoul Philharmonic, the Champaign-Urbana Symphony and others. As accompanist, he has worked with legendary singers such as Bobbie McFerrin and the late William Warfield.
Ellingboe, who was named director of Choral Activities this past fall, said the April 25 concert will also serve as the debut for UNM's new Children's Chorus, led by UNM Asst. Prof. of Music Regina Carlow.
"One of my first efforts in my new role was to launch a $300,000 fundraising campaign for choral music scholarships," Ellingboe said. "This is the third endowed scholarship fund to be started. Ultimately, we hope to endow 16 scholarships to help young singers with educational expenses and raise the bar regarding choral music in the state."
UNM's first choral scholarship was named for famed composer Morten Lauridsen and awarded this past fall to Mexican tenor Roberto Gomez who is pursuing a master's in vocal performance at UNM. The second scholarship, almost funded, honors Ellingboe's predecessor John Clark, who retired last May after 33 years as Director of Choral Activities.
The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.
www.unm.edu