Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale honors late president with its first Harmony Award

For 40 years, the beloved Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale has been dedicated to serving the community through the beauty and universality of music. This year, to celebrate and grow their mission, the 60-voice choir presented their first Harmony Award in recognition of service and outstanding volunteerism in “bringing harmony to the community.”

The debut of this honor was bestowed on former chorale president Beth Majerszky at the chorale’s spring concert event in May. A member of the group for 12 years, Majerszky led the board in 2023 and 2024 — an especially trying season, as the group sought new venues for both their practices and performances.

Throughout this process, she gave selflessly of her time and talents while also waging a personal battle with cancer. She passed away at the end of 2024, and is remembered by the group for her leadership, angelic voice, and beautiful spirit.

This inaugural award was accepted on Majerszky’s behalf by her family, including her sister, Andrea Swan.

The theme for the musical event, “A Time and Place for Us,” was an apt nod to her creativity and tireless work in finding new rehearsal and concert facilities for the group.

The group’s upcoming 2025 holiday performances, marking the chorale’s 40th anniversary, will be held at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, with a spring 2026 event being planned in Wheaton.

The chorale is a not-for-profit outreach, featuring auditioned adult singers, both novice and professional level, performing a wide variety of music, from folk, sacred, choral, and gospel to show tunes and all-time favorites.

They are often joined by gifted instrumentals, soloists, and guest composers/conductors from across the area and have collaborated with groups including the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, Wheaton Municipal Band, and Glen-Ellyn Children’s Chorus.

They present both paid and free outreach concerts through the year, with special consideration given to local retirement and nursing home facilities that may be underserved by other arts programs.

Information on the group’s mission, upcoming events, and details on upcoming auditions can be found at their website, gewchorale.org.