Naperville Chorus offers audiences eclectic style

In December, you might hear the Naperville Chorus perform a program of holiday favorites. Then in the spring, you just may want to dance along holding a rose between your teeth.

The chorus' style - developed over 40 years of performing together - is to challenge itself and entertain audiences by singing an eclectic repertoire.

Recent December holiday concerts have featured Handel's Messiah one year and a jazz Christmas cantata with the Pete Ellman Big Band another year. Last spring the chorus collaborated with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra in a concert of opera favorites.

The chorus performs winter and spring concerts each year in its hometown and has an outreach arm that performs in area retirement homes throughout the year.

European tours have been a continual part of the chorus's history. The chorus most recently performed in Ireland, but has toured Hungary and Poland as well.

With more than 100 members, the Naperville Chorus welcomes a variety of ages and includes members who live in Naperville and the surrounding communities. Founded in 1976, the chorus calls North Central College home, rehearsing and performing amid the renown acoustics of Wentz Concert Hall, 171 Chicago Ave., Naperville.

The chorus takes the summer off but begins rehearsals for the winter concert on the first Monday after Labor Day. The winter holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 10, will feature a variety of holiday favorites. The spring concert will be a celebration of the tango.

For information, visit napervillechorus.org.