Benyas honored with Education Award

WSIU Public Broadcasting has announced that Edward Benyas, founder of the Southern Illinois Music Festival, is the new Education Award recipient for WSIU's "One Region, All Neighbors" initiative.

The Good Neighbor Award is inspired by Fred Rogers and recognizes those who make a positive impact in the community. Winners are selected on neighborliness criteria that involve cognitive, emotional and social dimensions of being. Each month, WSIU recognizes an individual or group.

Benyas, who grew up in Michigan, picked up the oboe at age 10. At 16, he started putting ensembles together in his parents' living room. He went on to obtain a law degree and practiced as an attorney for five years before returning to Northwestern University to receive his master of music degree. He has served for 25 years as the professor of oboe and conducting at SIU Carbondale, as well as the music director of the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Benyas is also the founder and artistic director of the Southern Illinois Music Festival.

Benyas started the Southern Illinois Music Festival in 2005, initially to be closer to his family instead of having to be away at other festivals around the country.

Both his wife and his children currently play in the festival. During three weeks in the summer, Benyas brings in professionals from all over the country.

"I love connecting with the community," Benyas said. "I've become a real people person. I wasn't always a people person growing up, but it's really important to me. I mean, now there's a stack of letters from people writing me, appreciating what we do with the music festival, saying how nice it is to have me and my family in this community. It's great. I get those letters all the time. People love this music festival and that's important to me. I know those people and I do it for them."

Benyas also serves as the music director of the New Chicago Chamber Orchestra, has conducted professional orchestras and opera companies across the United States and in Europe and China, and was recognized as Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras.

Benyas will join other awardees at a special awards ceremony where each awardee will be recognized with a Good Neighbor Award for their contributions in their communities.