JACKSON, Tenn. — Oct. 9, 2020 — Sabrina Warren, assistant professor of vocal studies at Union University, was a finalist for the 2020 American Prize, one of the biggest professional music competitions in the nation.
Though Warren and her ensemble didn’t win the award, she said even being named a finalist was a great honor.
“It’s a lot of recognition,” Warren said. “It’s confirmation at the professional level that what you are doing is quality work. Every musician in our field kind of recognizes the American Prize as one of the highest standards of excellence.”
The American Prize awards musical performances in a variety of categories, including chamber music, directing, conducting and others. Warren’s submission came in the chamber performance category.
Warren’s ensemble consisted of her as vocalist, in addition to pianist Perry Mears and flutist John McMurtery. They submitted their performance of “A Lassie’s Love” by Jennifer Barker that was recorded in 2018 at the Belvedere Festival in Memphis.
Warren joined the Union faculty in 2017 and teaches applied voice and diction in the Department of Music. She also directs the university’s Opera Workshop program. She has performed opera, concert and oratorio works throughout North America and Europe.