Feb. 8, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Chicago Blackhawks National Anthem singer for the last four seasons, Jim Cornelison, will handle the honors on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena on February 22 during the pregame festivities of the Illinois State-Bradley men's basketball game, thanks to a sponsorship by Country Financial. The game is scheduled to tip at 7:05 p.m.
"We are honored that Jim is coming to share his talents at Redbird Arena, and are thankful to our friends at Country Financial for making this happen," Illinois State Interim Director of Athletics Larry Lyons said. "Our National Anthem can enhance the atmosphere at any sporting event and anyone who has seen Jim perform prior to a Blackhawks' home game, knows what he can do for the atmosphere in an arena."
In addition to being the exclusive anthem singer for the Blackhawks, Cornelison also sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" three weeks ago at Soldier Field prior to the NFC Championship Game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. He also sang the anthem the week before, when the Bears hosted the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Division Playoff.
Cornelison, a native of Vienna, Va., sang with numerous opera companies before coming to Chicago in 1995 to take part in the Lyric Opera's Apprenticeship Program where he one of six accepted apprentices among more than 800 applicants. He has performed nationally and internationally with some of the biggest names in opera, such as Plácido Domingo and Zubin Mehta. Known as a heroic tenor for the dark color of his voice but ability to sing in a tenor range, he has sung with opera companies in Bordeaux, London, Brussels and San Francisco, among many others.
A 1992 graduate of Indiana University's Master's of Music Program, Cornelison has received numerous accolades for his singing, including the William Matheus Sullivan Foundation Award and the George London Foundation Encouragement Grant, as well as first place in the American Opera Society of Chicago's 1997 Vocal Competition.
To catch this special performance and the basketball action on February 22, patrons can purchase their tickets at GoRedbirds.com where they can be printed them from home or call (309) 438-8000.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
