Irwin, Frances (??-16th April 2016)

She was a singer, musician and teacher born Frances M. Cernich, often known as Fran, who studied voice and organ at the Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While there she performed Balkan music nationally and throughout Europe as a member of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans.

She went on to take further studies in Saint Louis, Missouri’s Washington’s University and it was here that she earned her Music Education doctorate. Becoming a teacher, she spent the next three decades educating students in music and was the recipient of the Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award.

Continuing with her interest and knowledge of Balkan music she has been a member of the Tamburitza Association of America and an Advisory Member of the Croation Fraternal Union and has presented the subject of Balkan music to audiences all over the world.

After her retirement she worked with the United Nations Association of St. Louis in the role of Executive Director, carried on performing as a freelance musician locally. She still sings with her husband as a member of the Saint Louis Cathedral Basilica Choir and together they appeared on the recording Christmas in the Cathedral. They were also members of the Metro South Arts Council in Saint Louis.

As an author she has published the song collections Balkan Melodies for Accordion and World Melodies for Accordion. Recognised for her achievement in music and education, she can be found with an entry in the International Leaders of Achievement, the Who’s Who Among American Women and the Who’s Who in American Education.

St. Louis Cathedral Choir recordings
Angels We Have Heard on High (Traditional French/ James Chadwick / Edward Shippen Barnes )
MusicMasters MM20047 (CD: Christmas at the Cathedral)

Here is the Choir of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis performing before Mass…

Sources:

Irwin, Frances (??-16th April 2016)

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