UCI Chamber Singers awarded The American Prize for Best Choral Performance

UCI Chamber Singers, the premier choral ensemble of UC Irvine's Claire Trevor School of the Arts, under the leadership of Professor Irene Messoloras, has been named the winner of The American Prize in Choral Performance - college/university division (smaller program) for 2025.

The American Prize is one of the nation's most respected nonprofit competitions in the performing arts. Selected from submissions representing university ensembles across the country, this honor marks a significant achievement of choral performance at UC Irvine.

"We are honored and grateful to receive this national award," said Messoloras, director of choral activities. "It shines a meaningful light on the heart, dedication, and spirit our students bring to every rehearsal and performance. It also affirms the vibrant connection, creativity, and community that make UCI so special."

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts recognizes outstanding performing artists, ensembles, and composers in the United States based on submitted recordings. Founded in 2009, the competition is awarded annually across professional, university, community, and youth divisions and is known for its comprehensive evaluation of artistic quality and performance excellence.

This recognition comes in addition to the ensemble's 2024 first-place award in The American Prize Ernst Bacon Award for the Performance of American Music.

"I speak on behalf of everyone in the program when I say that this is really an immense accomplishment," said Michael Castigador Balerite '26, UCI Chamber Singers member. "It's incredible that we have national recognition for what many in our UC Irvine community have known for so long: that our choral ensembles are some of the strongest, most talented, and most beautiful in our region. In one way or another, we've all had that above-and-beyond drive for excellence that Messoloras imparts upon us, and this award is the icing on the proverbial cake for all of us."

Under Messoloras' leadership, UCI Chamber Singers continues to build a reputation for exceptional musicianship and artistic depth. The ensemble brings together undergraduate and graduate vocalists who perform works spanning the full choral canon in concerts, festivals and interdisciplinary collaborations throughout the year.