Vocalists invited to join Downers Grove Choral Society for 66th concert season
The Downers Grove Choral Society, under the direction of artistic director John Patrick Rakes, announces its 66th season.
They are inviting new and returning vocalists to join them at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9. Rehearsals are held in the chapel at the First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove. Sept. 9 and 16 will be open rehearsals for new and returning members to secure music for the first of three concerts and begin rehearsals.
All new members are asked to schedule a voice hearing with the artistic director. Visit dgcs.org, email info@dgcs.org or call (630) 515 — 0030 for details and to schedule a voice hearing for Mondays, Sept. 9 or 16.
The Choral Society, based in Downers Grove, draws its members from around the Chicago area. Membership extends well beyond Downers Grove, including such communities as Western Springs, Darien, Woodridge, Geneva, Lemont, Wheaton, Homer Glen, Naperville, Carol Stream, Lombard, Bolingbrook, Villa Park, Willowbrook and Crown Point, Indiana.
The Downers Grove Choral Society is looking forward to its exciting 66th season which begins on Sunday, Nov. 24, with the anniversary presentation of the first Choral Society performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” The concert will be presented with soprano Olivia Doig, mezzo-soprano Michelle Wrighte, tenor James Judd, bass David Govertsen and the full orchestra. There will be a pre-concert discussion at 3:15 p.m., followed by the 4 p.m. concert.
The second concert, “A Choral Adventure,” is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 24.
Many of the pieces chosen for this “Choral Adventure” are intended to not only paint a story of adventure for the audience to trace, but to also expand the concept of choral sound. There will be a pre-concert discussion at 3:15 p.m., followed by the 4 p.m. concert.
April 27 is the date for “Let’s Dance,” which will feature Brahms’s “Liebeslieder Waltzes” accompanied by piano duo Redekopp and Edwards. This concert includes additional dance related music and surprises. There will be a pre-concert discussion at 3:15 p.m., followed by the 4 p.m. concert.
The Downers Grove Choral Society, a 501(c)3 organization, is partially supported by the DuPage Community Foundation as well as our Patrons and Members. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.