ACE Award Metro East

Metro East ACE Award

Kerri LeJeune

By Judy Sagan

Photo: Judy Sagan presents ACE award to Kerri LeJeune

I am the luckiest choral conductor in the world because every Monday night, I have the immense honor of working with Kerri LeJeune as the “Collaborative Accompanist” for The Minnesota Valley Women’s Chorale. Tonight, I am thrilled to recognize her remarkable contributions by presenting her with the Metro East ACE Award. This accolade not only highlights Kerri’s extraordinary musical skills but also her invaluable personal contributions to our choral ensemble and the State of Minnesota.

Kerri LeJeune is a highly esteemed collaborative pianist within the Twin Cities metro area. Her distinguished freelance career spans a multitude of performances, including competitions with The Minnesota Orchestra YPSCA Concerto Competitions, Thursday Musical, Schubert Club, and both Twin Cities Youth Symphonies competitions. She has accompanied recitals, ensemble concerts, master classes, and college audition recordings, consistently working with award-winning students and ensembles. Her reputation as an accompanist is so highly regarded that she is sought after by private teachers, music educators across all levels, and conductors of both choral and instrumental ensembles.

In addition to her work with us, Kerri is the director and accompanist for the Mellow Fellow Men’s Choir, an inspiring offshoot of the original 3M choir. This ensemble, featuring members ranging from age 70 to 96, embodies the mission of lifelong singing.

Kerri holds Piano Performance degrees from Oberlin Conservatory and Peabody Conservatory and was among the pioneering graduates of Peabody’s rigorous master’s degree program. Her career in Maryland included performances with the Opera Theaters at Peabody Conservatory and Towson University and a role as the pianist for the Annapolis Symphony. Her impressive collaborations extend to the National Lutheran Choir, the Dale Warland Singers, and numerous Honor Choirs across Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

My professional journey with Kerri LeJeune began in 2012 when she became our cherished Collaborative Pianist for The Minnesota Valley Women’s Chorale. Kerri approaches every rehearsal with exceptional preparation, listening, and responding to the ensemble with the utmost musicianship and respect. She pays meticulous attention to detail and is always ready to discuss the construction of each musical piece, enhancing our understanding and performance.

Working with Kerri is an absolute joy. She is a cornerstone of our community choir’s success, providing not just accompaniment, but true partnership. Our collaboration is seamless; there is never a “tug of war” between accompanist and director. Kerri is attuned to interpretation, dynamics, phrasing, and expertly adapts her accompaniment to complement and elevate the performance.

Kerri’s personal attributes are as commendable as her musical talents. She is reliable, kind, communicative, flexible, personable, prepared, a true team player, and passionate about her craft. The singers in the Minnesota Valley Women’s Chorale adore and respect her. They eagerly look forward to rehearsals, especially when Kerri leads sectionals, as she brings out the best in each of them through her supportive and inspiring presence.

Beyond her professional excellence, Kerri is also a very dear friend. It is a privilege to work alongside such a masterful pianist. I constantly learn from her, and she serves as a true inspiration to both the choral and instrumental music communities throughout Minnesota.

Kerri’s talent and dedication shine brightly, and we celebrate her well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Kerri, on winning the Metro East ACE Award! You are so deserving of this honor.