High Notes and High Hopes — a benefit concert to support a student in time of need

During the summer, Campanella Children’s Choir held a benefit concert “High Notes and High Hopes” to support a student in time of need. The concert took place at St. Giles Church in Northbrook and featured Campanella’s Treble Choir and Concert Choir and the Chicago Trio.

When in March, after Campanella’s grand performance at the March 2014 San Francisco Heritage Festival of Gold at the famous Davies Symphony Hall, one of the original choir members, Mary Melnikov’s mother, Zhanna Melnikov, succumbed to cancer, the choir stepped-up to land a hand to Mary and turned their annual concert into a benefit.

“Mary was always a very musically-gifted child, and one of the best singers of our choir,” Mariana Kosaya, noted choir director. She continued to say that Mary’s mother has been thoroughly involved with music within Campanella and especially within Mary’s life. As a trained vocalist, she had a deep understanding of musical education, and had hoped that her daughter would pursue her passion for music and continue her education. Mary, during her mother’s funeral, vowed to continue her musical education and continue singing to honor her mother’s memory.

To support Mary in her time of need, Campanella hosted a benefit concert in Mary’s mother’s memory. Along with the children’s choir, Campanella has invited Chicago-area groups and musicians to participate in the fundraising event.

The concert was followed by a reception, where the guests enjoyed appetizers and desserts, and had an opportunity to participate in a raffle. Aleksandra Efimova, CEO & Founder of Russian Pointe, one of raffle sponsors, remarked that “I’m honor to support Campanella’s benefit. I’m glad that I can lend my support to art-based community organizations. ”

Campanella Children’s Choir would like to express their appreciation to the following sponsors: Arts4Kids Foundation, Russian Pointe, Kedvon Pharmacy, ZaZa Salon and Day Spa, Kontinent Media, Liliya Dikin, and all others without, whose help this benefit, would not be possible.

The benefit raised over $1,100 to support Mary Melnikov’s efforts to continue her musical education.

For information on future events or to contribute to this benefit, please write to kontinentmedia@gmail.com

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Leonard Mogul
Kontinent Media
Arts4Kids Foundation

About Campanella Children’s Choir:

Campanella Children’s Choir was founded in 2000 and has evolved into a competitive ensemble that is the core of the entire Campanella Educational Center. The choir sings a diverse repertoire of music in multiple languages and performs in numerous community events throughout the year, including the Chicago Cultural Center, the Museum of Science and Industry, Northbrook Public Library, Wheeling Park District, Skokie Public Public Library, and has been recently featured in 98.7WFMT’s «Introduction» show, led by radio host, David Polk.

In 2014 and 2008, Campanella Children’s Choir participated in the Chicago Heritage Festival and received the Outstanding Choral Group award, as well as the Certificate of Excellence.  The choir was invited to take part in the 2009 National Invitational Choral Festival (Festival of Gold), in which it was subsequently a gold medal recipient with selected Campanella choristers participating in the Festival’s final concert, held at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Hall.

A non-profit organization, Campanella is a place where children gather to express and share their talents, a place where through dynamic cooperation children develop their artistic skills and acquire knowledge in an array of disciplines.  Although artistically inclined, Campanella also offers classes in subjects not related to art, such as Math and Russian Language.  Campanella’s programs are designed for children ages 3-16.