Enfield Vocal Student Accepted Into Bushnell Fellowship Program

HARTFORD, CT — Twelve young artists from Connecticut, including one from Enfield, have been selected for the Ensign-Darling New Voices Fellowship at the Bushnell. This talent development program provides vocal coaching and voice lessons, monthly masterclasses and mentorship opportunities with industry professionals for the young artists.

Brooklyn Vega, 17, attends Enfield High School. According to a news release, "She is honored to have been accepted into the Ensign-Darling Vocal Fellowship Program and can’t wait to work with the other young artists to grow as a singer."

Returning Artistic Director Ariana Valdes is an alumna of the very first program formerly known as the Ensign-Darling Vocal Fellowship. She is a performer with more than 15 years of professional experience, performing both nationally and internationally in touring Broadway and regional productions.

The program will culminate with two concerts at the Bushnell: a Holiday Concert on Jan. 14 at 6 p.m., and Spring Concert on May 6 at 6 p.m.

The Ensign-Darling is made possible by an extraordinary gift from former Bushnell trustee Robert E. Darling Jr., which will provide 25 years of funding, from 2002 through 2027. A lifelong singer himself, he envisioned this program to provide young vocalists with exceptional natural talent the training and exposure to which they may not otherwise have access. Ninety-nine percent of all Fellows have pursued college degrees, and those who have continued to study music and performance have gone on to have success in the performing arts, including on Broadway and in touring productions.