The LOTUS Project has been named a winner of the the American Prize in Choral Performance, Professional Division, marking the ensemble’s second national win in this competitive category.
Founded with the ethos that world-class artistry belongs everywhere, LOTUS has grown from a single professional ensemble into LOTUS Performing Arts, a multifaceted organization that now includes a professional choir, community chorale, festival orchestra, and artist-in-residence initiatives. Rooted in Trenton and active across the region, LOTUS champions fair pay for artists, accessible performances, and repertoire that is of our time. Last spring, LOTUS Performing Arts launched “Remembrance & Resilience,” its first summer music and art festival in downtown Trenton.
The American Prize recognizes excellence in performance, composition, and programming at the professional, collegiate, community, and youth levels. Adjudicated by panels of national experts, the competition celebrates artistic achievement and the vitality of the performing arts across the U.S. LOTUS Performing Arts continues its season on January 31at 7 p.m. with Stones to Sky, a visionary program featuring works by Guillaume Dufay, Eric Whitacre, Veljo Tormis, and Marie-Claire Saindon, among others. The concert is at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Trenton.
“As a Trenton native, I couldn’t be more excited about an organization like the LOTUS Project,” said Moses Possible, a board member, Trenton native, and professional baritone with the organization. “I truly believe that the ethos of its mission is so important to the future of arts in our city. Growing up, I wasn’t exposed to much classical music. There was little that I knew about choral music specifically. In fact, I always believed that I had to leave my city to experience this music — along with orchestral scores, suites, and requiems.”
He continues, “However, thanks to my LOTUS advisors and mentors who then became friends and colleagues, I was exposed to the beauty of the genre and the art of collaboration. It fills me with pride to see a two-time American Prize-winning group based in my hometown make such amazing art, and I feel especially honored to be a part of this group.”
Visit thelotusprojectnj.org for more information.