September 13, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Samuel BARBER
Essay for Orchestra No. 1, opus 12
Aaron COPLAND
Old American Songs
Erik CHALFANT, baritone
Leonard BERNSTEIN
Candide Overture
Howard HANSON
Symphony No. 2, opus 30 “Romantic”
Erik CHALFANT, baritone
Baritone ERIK CHALFANT, is an adopted, Midwestern son of the Kankakee River Valley. Born in Indiana, Erik was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of the late Reverend Morris Chalfant and his mother, longtime Kankakee resident, Yvonne Chalfant. Erik is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University, where he earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Voice Performance and French Literature. His vocal studies at the Tanglewood Music Center led him to earn the Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from Boston University, where he was a private student of the esteemed American operatic soprano, Phyllis Curtin.
Erik’s performing life as a singer has been eclectic. He has appeared in opera, concert and recital performances, and has enjoyed success as a colorful cabaret artist in his hometown, San Francisco. He performed the national anthem for San Francisco Opera at Oracle Park, appeared as soloist with the San Francisco Civic Symphony Orchestra and in recital at San Francisco’s Legion Of Honor Museum, and maintains an active teaching roster of private voice & theater students.
Speaking of his current performance with the KVSO: “I am thrilled to again perform with the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra. Many moons have passed since I last sang here in 1999, for the Duke Ellington Centennial Concert. With these iconic Old American Songs of Aaron Copland, I feel a literal return to my Midwestern roots. These hymn tunes & folk melodies speak of the America that I grew up knowing. They remind us of the faith, hope, resilience and genuine sense of community that has always defined our great nation. Tonight, I dedicate my performance of these songs to the sacred memory of my father, The Reverend Morris Chalfant – yes dad, we will soon gather with the saints by the river, that flows by the throne of God! – and to my beloved mother, Yvonne Chalfant, who has always unwaveringly believed in me, and the promise of my gifts. I love you mom.”
