MICHAEL MCELVAIN

Michael Elliott Martin McElvain, age 35, passed away surrounded by those he loved most at his mother’s home in Seattle, Washington on April 15, 2021.

 

Michael leaves behind a legacy of music and artistry. A gifted pianist from a young age, Michael demonstrated his profound talent throughout his early education in St. Charles, IL, performing in stage productions, composing music for school orchestras and theater, collaborating with fellow students and local musicians, and more. He made his music directing debut while only a sophomore in high school directing Sunday in the Park with George for the Steel Beam Theater. Michael graduated from St. Charles East High School, received his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Webster University in St. Louis, MO, his Master of Music from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, and was nearing completion of his Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano under vocal coach Martin Katz at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

 

Michael grew his music career professionally throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies, working as a classical and collaborative pianist, vocal coach, teacher, and conductor. Career highlights include performing on Chicago’s WFMT radio broadcasts, appearing as a guest conductor with The Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, serving on the faculties of DePaul University, Columbia College Chicago, and Italian summer voice institute, Musica nelle Marche, performing piano for the George Shirley Vocal Competition, serving as Chorus Master for The Chicago Bach Ensemble, accompanying the Concert Choir and Chamber Choir at DePaul University, and conducting numerous stage productions including, the CUBE Ensemble, musical theatre works by Stephen Sondheim, and Mary Poppins at Stage 773. Prior to his passing, Michael was accepted into the prestigious Merola Opera Program in San Francisco, an opportunity he worked very hard to achieve but unfortunately was never able to attend.

 

Beyond music, Michael was passionate about film and comedy, loved good design and furniture, had amazing taste in food and wine, and possessed a larger-than-life personality. He was known for his incredibly sharp wit and wicked sense of humor, something he couldn’t help but share with those around him. 

 

He is survived by his devoted mother, Amy L. McElvain, Seattle, WA, his beloved life partner, Saori Chiba, Evanston, IL, his loving sisters and brother-in-law, Stacy Kraus (Mark Balkema), Jamey McElvain-Whitman and Kevin McElvain-Whitman, Los Angeles, CA, Jorie McElvain, Seattle, WA, Mollie McElvain, Los Angeles, CA, his dear friends Jakob Hansen and Laura Eakman; his uncle Mark (Julie) Watson of Carol Stream, IL, his favorite aunt JoAnne (Craig) Wainman, Freeport, IL, and aunt Linda Bordelon, Morris, IL. Michael also leaves behind numerous dear, loving friends, teachers, and colleagues from all over the globe. He is preceded in death by his brother, Scott Benson, father, James McElvain, maternal grandparents, Martin and Shirley Watson, aunt, Robin Watson, and his best canine friend Stuart. 

 

Michael’s memorial is tentatively planned for October 2021 in Chicago (COVID-permitting). Event details will be published on this site as they develop.

 

Click here for Michael's official obituary.