From the Chicago Master Singers’ “Next Gen” concert, February 23rd, 2024 (Photo: Provided by artist)
Celebrating 46 years as an ensemble, Chicago Master Singers returns for a new four-program season this fall. Music Director John C. Hughes will lead the ensemble in 7 concerts at the Glenview Community Church, (1000 Elm Street, Glenview Illinois) beginning in October.
The season opens October 25th and 26th with a program titled Gracious Light. The fall concert features soloist Ben Roidl-Ward in Egil Hovland’s Agnus Dei for bassoon and choir, plus Russian church music that showcases the mighty low C’s of the ensemble’s bass section. Also included are a collection of works by contemporary choral composers Jocelyn Hagen and Michael John Trotta, plus choral classics by Felix Mendelssohn and John Rutter.
CMS continues the season with their annual Christmas tradition – a series of holiday concerts titled O Radiant Dawn. Strings and piano will accompany works old and new on December 13th and 14th. Audience members will be encouraged to sing-along; a complete list of carols can be found on the CMS website.
Singers of the next generation will be put on display during the NextGen concert on February 27, 2026, when CMS will collaborate with singers from Vernon Hills Highschool and Campanella Children’s Choir. Composer Michael John Trotta joins the ensemble in workshops and a collaborative performance of his works, including his own recently recorded Requiem.
The season of concerts concludes with a grand finale on May 2nd and 3rd, 2026. CMS will be joined by the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra and soprano soloist Angela De Venuto for Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, Paul Mealor’s Stabat Mater, and Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine.
