The vocal music sphere at Conrad Grebel University College welcomes a new scholarship for passionate students taking Music Studio in Voice, and who sing in a Music Department choir at the University of Waterloo and Grebel. The “Lichti Voice Studies Scholarship Award” was graciously established by Daniel Lichti, an Associate Professor Emeritus of the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University (1998-2017).
Given Grebel’s richly talented musical community, the Lichti Voice Studies Scholarship Award is directed toward students who show “great potential and excellence in singing,” explained Mark Vuorinen, Music Chair. “This scholarship provides support—perhaps also attracting new students who may not have had a chance to enrol due to financial burden.”
“It’s my hope that this support will inspire a naturally gifted young singer to explore further vocal studies,” said Lichti. “And in this discipline, discover the richness of the world of vocal and choral music.”
Grebel harmonizes the interests of the Laverne and Nelda Lichti family, whose members, including Daniel Lichti, have cultivated a sustained interest in music and education in Mennonite institutions. Lichti made his operatic debut in 1974, making 2023 his 49th anniversary of singing for audiences around the world. He has had an extensive career as a classically trained bass-baritone, performing globally and with many local concert organizations. In addition to performing, Lichti is also an inspired educator locally, nationally, and internationally, and hopes to “encourage a curiosity and love for the world of singing, as well as an appetite for learning and discovery that will never be sated.”
Grebel is fortunate to have Lichti as a supporter, sharing his passion for voice and helping Grebel to “attract talented singers who are dedicated to developing their technique and interpretive skills at a higher level,” shared Stephanie Kramer, Voice Instructor and Studio Coordinator in the Music Department. “His generosity in creating this scholarship for future singers in our music program is an affirmation of the calibre of our music program and our students.”
While a singer’s passion for music and song comes from their heart, Lichti highlights the importance of further pursuing vocal studies at the post-secondary level. “Singers are just getting comfortable with their adult voices and can now begin to explore music that is appropriate to their voice types,” expressed Lichti. “The musical skills they will acquire by singing in a choir will augment and enrich the individual training they receive in studio, and will expose them to a truly unique and valuable sense of community.”
Recipients must be enrolled in Music Studio for Voice Studies and sing in a Music Department choir. Additionally, they must complete an entrance or studio audition to be nominated. This award is intended to go to a student who has demonstrated excellence in musicianship and vocal music, deemed by the Chair of Music. Preference may be given to students who are pursuing a major or minor in Music or living in the residence or apartments at Grebel.
With this award, Daniel Lichti paves opportunities for continued study and practice at Grebel, leaving his lasting impact on the Grebel community with his generosity.
By Farah Jurdi