Chicago Chorale

Chicago Chorale is a professional-level ensemble of singers who cultivate their craft out of genuine love and dedication, giving freely of their time and talent. We enrich the lives of those in our community by broadening awareness of, and deepening emotional connection to great choral music. Our artistic vision is to give sensitive and thought-provoking performances of a diverse choral repertoire, from well-loved works to overlooked masterpieces to new commissions. Chicago Chorale selects music that will challenge and thrill listeners and performers alike, and maintains a commitment to artistic excellence and integrity.

The 60-voice ensemble celebrates its 19th anniversary in the 2019-2020 season.

Past performances include the Rachmaninoff Vespers (All-Night Vigil, op. 37), Requiems of Herbert Howells, Durufle, Gabriel Faure, Brahms, and Mozart; Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Chorus, Thomas Tallis’ Lamentations of Jeremiah, Handel’s Messiah, Arnold Schoenberg’s Friede auf Erden, and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Mass in B Minor, Magnificat, and Christmas Oratorio, which the choir performed both in Chicago and in Mexico City with the Orquesta del Nuevo Mundo. In 2008 the Chorale performed at the Ravinia Festival with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Erich Kunzel, and in 2011 under Ludwig Wicki. Chorale has appeared four times on WFMT (98.7 FM) radio’s “Live with Kerry Frumkin” and recorded six CDs.[1]

Chicago Chorale enjoys the highest artistic and community reputation, having been named five times since 2012 in “top choral performance of the year” lists by Chicago area critics; its most recent designation as such from critic John von Rhein of the Chicago Tribune in 2015. In addition, the choir’s Rachmaninoff Vespers earned “Top Ten Performances of 2016” honors from Lawrence Johnson of Chicago Classical Review, and is the only amateur group to receive such a mention. Chicago Chorale has been featured with Civic Orchestra of Chicago, at Ravinia Festival with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and has collaborated with Symphony of River Park and Oak Forest. Its six CD recordings have received significant play time on classical station WFMT.

There are approximately 60 performers split evenly into four voice parts. Members pay $125 annual dues. Auditions are held annually. Information on both the current members and auditions for new members can be found on the choir's website.[2][3]

Chicago Chorale's Artistic Director is Bruce Tammen. The group also has a Managing Director (Megan Balderston) and maintains a Board and an Advisory Board.[4]

• Chicago Chorale website