Choral group to benefit from high tea fundraiser

The Elgin Choral Union will host a spring fundraiser, a high tea in the Rainbow Room at the historic Hotel Baker in St. Charles. Held as a part of the annual Sisters Weekend in St. Charles, the event will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

This traditional English-style high tea will feature three courses of cakes, cookies, finger sandwiches, and other treats, all set to the serenade of renowned tenor and Choral Union member Oscar Menoyo. Tickets cost $50 per person, with 100 percent of the net proceeds benefiting the Elgin Choral Union. The event also will feature a silent auction and a dollar raffle with a guaranteed prize of $2,000.

"We are so excited about being a part of Sisters Weekend in St. Charles," said Karen Hattan, who is an Elgin Choral Union board member and the event's chairwoman. "Many of our members come from St. Charles, and we were thrilled to be able to offer this event at the historic Hotel Baker. We're encouraging all the women out there to wear your best Easter bonnet to the tea, and bring your spouses as well! After all, it's for a great cause, and everyone partakes in teatime in England!"

On May 9, the chorus will present Mendelssohn's oratorio "St. Paul," a rarely performed work illuminating the conversion and life work of the Apostle Paul. Choral members are drawn from across the entire Fox Valley region, hailing from Elgin to St. Charles to Aurora to Barrington and beyond.

For tickets and information, visit elginchoralunion.org or call (847) 214-7225.