Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus offers a little peace and harmony

The Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus will present a holiday concert, "Peace in Harmony," at 5 p.m. Saturday in Edman Chapel, Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton.

Known for its thematic concerts, the chorus of more than 160 members ages 8 to 18 will present an experience for its audience with visual projections and songs of peace. Selections include segments of Spiritual Peace, Nature's Peace, Peace Among Men and Seasonal Peace.

Guest artists will include some of the Chicago area's finest instrumentalists on harp, flute, oboe, cello and percussion.

Minnesota composer Carol Barnett's "The Day of Hope," commissioned in honor of Shirin Ebadi, the first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, will be featured by the group's advanced touring chorus.

The program includes carols accompanied by a harp quintet; songs of nature by Brahms, Raminsh and Chicagoan Paul Carey; the American folk hymn "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need"; gospel music; and a carol-sing for all.

Alumni and other guests will join the choristers for the finale, David Fanshawe's "Dona Nobis Pacem," written as a hymn for world peace. Guest soloist will be chorus alum Jennifer Gaskins.

The young singers will perform under the musical direction of Emily Ellsworth of Wheaton, the artistic director, and conductors Lauren Sklar of Evanston and Jeff Haeger of Naperville.

The Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that provides exceptional choral education through instruction and performance.

Founded in 1964, the chorus has earned an international reputation for education and performance. Currently, more than 250 students in kindergarten through 12th grade from communities throughout the area participate in classes and performance ensembles.

The chorus' programs are partially supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency that supports the visual, literary and performing arts to benefit all Americans; and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Grants are awarded for the chorus' artistic excellence, educational merit and outreach programs.

All interested children are welcome to join the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus, and no prior experience is needed. Placement hearings will be in early January for the second semester of the chorus' 2007-2008 season. For details or an appointment, call (630) 858-2471.

Tickets are $25 for reserved seats, $15 for general admission. Special rates are available for groups of 18 or more.

Concert tickets are sold at www.gechildrenschorus.org or by calling (630) 858-2471.

If you go

What:The Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus present its holiday concert, "Peace in Harmony"

When:5 p.m. Saturday

Where:Edman Chapel, Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton

Cost: $25 for reserved seats, $15 for general admission. Special rates are available for groups of 18 or more.

Call:(630) 858-2471