Meredith
By Amy Karagiannakis
Thanks to a generous gift from the Meredith Foundation, the University of Illinois Chamber Singers—the School of Music’s premier choral ensemble—has been renamed the Meredith Chamber Singers. The gift, made possible through Paul Yarrington, the son of alumnus Maurice Melvin Meredith (MA ’38, BA ’36), fulfills the mission of the foundation to “nurture the soul through music,” with a particular emphasis on choral performance.
“This is not just a gift—it’s a transformational investment in the future of our choral program,” said Dr. Andrea Solya, director of choral activities. “For the first time in decades, we were able to take our top choir on tour without asking students to pay out of pocket. Everyone could participate. That’s never happened before.”
The Meredith Chamber Singers performed across Chicago, reaching high schools and cathedrals, representing Illinois with artistry and pride. The endowment also enables long-term planning and commissioned works—hallmarks of elite choral programs.
This naming is also a first for the School of Music. While spaces and buildings have been named in the past, no choir or ensemble at Illinois has ever received such an honor. The Meredith Chamber Singers mark a new chapter in how philanthropy can shape the student experience and elevate artistic excellence.
“My father believed deeply in the power of music,” said Yarrington. “He wasn’t a performer, but music brought him joy, and he wanted that joy to be accessible to others.”
The Meredith Chamber Singers now stand as a living tribute to one man’s belief in the transformative power of music and to the students whose voices carry that vision forward. If you are interested in learning more about naming opportunities at the School of Music, please contact David Allen at allend@illinois.edu.