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May 17, 2011 – The Chicago Bulls announced today tenor Jim Cornelison, the Chicago Blackhawks’ full-time National Anthem singer will sing the National Anthem at all Bulls home games for the remainder of their playoff run.
“We are delighted that Jim Cornelison has agreed to sing the National Anthem prior to all remaining Bulls home playoff games,” said Steve Schanwald, Bulls executive vice president of business operations. “We are grateful to our friends at the Chicago Blackhawks for allowing us to borrow what has become one of the great traditions in all of sports. Jim’s rendition of the Anthem is so stirring as to not be soon forgotten by anyone who is privileged to hear it. After hearing him sing at our game on Sunday night, and seeing and hearing the reaction of our players and fans to it, it became obvious to all of us that we needed to invite Jim to reprise his performance at all remaining playoff games. I know our fans will enjoy it and will be sure to be in their seats so as not to miss a moment of it.”
“I'm very excited to sing the Anthem for the rest of the Bulls playoff run,” Cornelison said. “It is always a thrill to hear the fans erupt at other Chicago sporting events in the tradition we have at the Chicago Blackhawks. I'm honored to be asked and can't wait to see another championship trophy come to Chicago this year.”
Cornelison, a native of Vienna, Virginia, sang with numerous opera companies before coming to Chicago in 1995 to take part in the Lyric Opera’s Apprenticeship Program where he was one of six who 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.