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Grammy-nominated composer Jake Runestad joins Chicago Master Singers for NextGen Concert

Chicago Master Singers will be hosting Grammy-nominated composer Jake Runestad for the ensemble's second annual NextGen concert on Friday, Feb. 21. American Public Media has dubbed Jake Runestad a “choral rockstar,” and his music is performed across the globe.

Under the direction of Music Director John C. Hughes, NextGen is an exciting initiative to support and inspire the next generation of composers and singers.

Chicago Master Singers will host composer Runestad, and with his insight and encouragement, perform a program exclusively of his works in collaboration with choirs from two area high schools: Conant High School, under the direction of Tim Koll, and Glenbard West High School, under the direction of Andrew Jeffrey. It promises to be an engaging and inspiring evening of music.

The concert will feature two of Jake Runestad's major works, “Cello Songs” and “American Triptych.” Other pieces include “I Will Lift Mine Eyes” performed by Chicago Master Singers, “Your Soul is Song” and “Ner Ner” performed by Conant and Glenbard West high schools, and “Let My Love Be Heard,” performed by the combined ensembles.

The evening also will include multiple opportunities to meet and hear from the composer, including during a pre-concert conversation, during the performance, and at a post-concert reception. All ticket holders are invited to both events.

The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St. in Glenview. A pre-concert conversation featuring John C. Hughes and Jake Runestad will take place at 6:45 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $18 to $50. Discounts are available for seniors and groups of 10 or more. Concert information and tickets are available at www.chicagomastersingers.org/concerts or www.tiny.cc/CMStickets.

Chicago Master Singers' vision is to create a culture of inclusive, intergenerational ensemble singing through extraordinary musical experiences that lift the human spirit. Established in 1979, it’s an auditioned chorus of around 100 volunteer singers from Chicago and suburban communities. The ensemble’s repertoire includes great choral works and new works by living composers. It performs unaccompanied and also collaborates with professional instrumentalists and soloists. The chorus has international acclaim, having toured extensively throughout Europe for the past 30 years, most recently to France in 2024.

Under the artistic leadership of Music Director John C. Hughes, Chicago Master Singers has developed several outreach initiatives, including collaborative NextGen clinics and concerts supporting the next generation of composers and young singers, a new Choral Scholars program for high school students, community engagement with seniors and youths, an annual “Summer Sing,” and CMS University seminars. This is an exciting time of growth for the organization, and Chicago Master Singers looks forward to continuing these initiatives and introducing new programs in the seasons to come.

To learn more about how you can support Chicago Master Singers, visit www.chicagomastersingers.org/support.

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