Maine East Chamber Choir and Demon Strings to perform Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’

On Friday, Jan. 23, the Maine East High School Chamber Choir and Demon Strings will present a special performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge. Admission is free.

A cornerstone of the choral repertoire, “Gloria” is a celebrated masterwork that brings together choir, orchestra, and professional vocal soloists.

This collaborative performance highlights the depth of musicianship and artistry of Maine East students as they engage with one of the most enduring works of the Baroque era.

“Preparing Vivaldi’s Gloria took a lot of time and effort — it is the most challenging piece we have ever learned,” said Natalia Szpiech, Maine East 12th-grader and featured soloist. “We’ve all grown so much through this piece, both as musicians and humans.”

Performing “Gloria” in this space offers students a rare and meaningful opportunity to experience the piece in a setting similar to the one for which it was originally composed.

The acoustics and atmosphere of St. Luke’s enhances the authenticity of the work and provides audiences with a rich and immersive musical experience.

“It has been magical watching my students experience learning and performing a major classical work for the first time,” said Maine East choir teacher Kate Lee. “Through this piece, students have learned how to take risks, listen, persist and strive for the highest level of musicianship possible. We are so excited to share our learning with the community.”

This concert showcases the dedication, talent and collaborative spirit of the Maine East music program and offers the community an evening of inspiring and timeless music.