Some people will spend their Valentine’s Day with a significant other while others may go see “Deadpool,” but those without plans can attend The Broadway Lights and Opera Stars Concert 3 p.m. Sunday in Dingledine Music Center.
The Broadway Lights and Opera Stars Concert is part of the annual Musical Scholarship Concert Series, which channels 100 percent of box office revenue toward scholarships for Bradley music majors.
“Keep in mind that scholarships for music students were initially intended to not simply make a college education more affordable, they were to allow music students time in the practice room that might otherwise be invested in a part-time job,” chairperson of the Department of Music David Vroman said.
“A music major is generally expected to spend around 14 hours a week in individual practice, a number of hours similar to many part-time jobs,” Vroman said.
The concert will feature 15 Bradley music students, along with faculty members and two alumni. Music students were encouraged to participate by an email sent from Kerry Walters, an associate professor of music.
“This is the first time I’ve put together such a large ensemble of current students, but it made sense since they are the ones who have benefitted from our fundraising,” Walters said.
The two alumni who are invited back are both former students of Walters. Katie Burnham, a 2014 vocal performance graduate and Emily Volz, a 2013 music education graduate, are now pursuing masters degrees in music at Chicago College of Performing Arts and North Park University, respectively.
“I am excited to come back and sing for my professors,” Volz said. “I am also super interested to hear the current students because Bradley has such an awesome music program.”
Many styles of music will be performed at the concert, including opera and musical theater. Walters chose the large ensemble pieces while performers, who had solos or duets, had the chance to choose their own material.
Tickets for the concert are $10 at the door for the public and free to Bradley students.
