The Festival Chorus and its Concertmaster: A Perfect Duet
Before each performance of The Festival Chorus, it is tradition for the choral members to say it will be "The Best Concert Ever." A key element to making that happen is the professional orchestra that accompanies the chorus. The responsibility for assembling that orchestra goes to James Sanders. Mr. Sanders has been concertmaster and orchestral contractor for The Festival Chorus since 1992. He is currently coordinating with his fourth choral conductor, Greg Tipps.
James Sanders earned his bachelor's degree in violin performance from DePauw University and completed his Masters of Music at Yale University. He has been working in the Chicago area as a professional performer, teacher, and leader of his own ensemble ever since. He currently teaches violin in Music for Youth, a Suzuki-based string program in Arlington Heights. When not leading his own ensemble, Mr. Sanders performs with such groups as the Chicago Sinfonietta, Fulcrum Point Music Ensemble and The Joffrey Ballet. Recent performances include The "Moth" Radio Hour and The dance Theatre of Harlem at the Auditorium Theatre. Details about his music and links to his recordings are available on his website jamessanders.com
With unparalleled expertise, James Sanders gathers together the perfect musicians to accompany The Festival Chorus for each concert. The size and composition of the orchestra changes from concert to concert, depending on the choral pieces being sung. The next concert will take place Sunday, December 4, at 3 p.m. at the Harper College Performing Arts Center. The music performed will include Roger Strader's "King of Love," Robert Shaw's "The Many Moods of Christmas Suites 1 and 2," Leroy Anderson" Sleigh Ride, John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol," and Irving Berlin's "White Christmas."
Come hear The Festival Chorus's 80+ voices and enjoy with new appreciation the accompanying professional orchestra assembled by James Sanders. Tickets are available at harpercollege.edu/boxoffice or call (847) 925-6100. You can bet that it will be "The best concert ever!"