TOGETHER AGAIN: The Trenton Children’s Chorus recently performed a benefit concert at Morven Museum & Garden. They were led by artistic director Brittany Slaymaker. (Photo by Sherry Rubel)

The Trenton Children’s Chorus performed together for the first time in 18 months on October 7, in a concert at Morven Museum & Garden. They were accompanied by the Princeton University Sinfonia. 

Tanice Fitzpatrick, TCC board member and longtime supporter, said, “I was impressed, enchanted, and inspired. A very impactful message for all of us right now. I still think about that night and how important it is to hold fast to your dreams.”

The centerpiece of the evening was the TCC Opportunity Fund — a development of the Support a Chorister campaign that aims to open doors for every TCC chorister in their academic, social, and musical lives. The benefit brought in over $125,000 in revenue for the organization.

“The Opportunity Fund envelopes all of the ways Trenton youth are given access through TCC’s program,” said Kate Mulligan, executive director. “Middle school, high school, and college tuition scholarships are available every year for our choristers. We even offer a matching program to fund music lessons beyond TCC, and we partner with Hopewell Valley Chorus each spring to raise funds for summer camp placements for singers.”

The Opportunity Fund brings artists into TCC to work closely with children and young adults to unleash their creative spirits. Future plans include Tony-nominated actor Philip Boykin and opera singer Angel Blue.

“Last year, we hosted Damien L. Sneed as our composer-in-residence, said Mulligan. “The kids put together original poetry on the theme of ‘overcoming,’ and he set their words to music that’ll be premiered in February. This year, we are going to Carnegie Hall in May to sing under John Rutter’s legendary baton. The Opportunity Fund supports these kinds of programs that go beyond the rehearsal room.”

Visit trentonchildrenschorus.org for more information.