Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale celebrates 40 years with ‘Anniversaries and Onward’ concerts

The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale continues its 40th season this spring with “Anniversaries and Onward,” a pair of celebratory concerts honoring the chorale’s past while looking ahead to the next chapter of its musical journey.

Audiences are invited to save the dates for two performances featuring eclectic, engaging choral works that reflect both musical milestones and forward momentum.

The concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Road in Elmhurst; and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St.

The program features a wide-ranging selection of choral music anchored by two notable anniversary works.

One highlight is “Songs & Sonnets,” a setting of seven Shakespeare texts composed by George Shearing.

Published 25 years ago, the piece blends classical choral writing with a jazzy piano accompaniment and a distinctive string bass part.

Bookending the performance will be another extended work by Dan Locklair titled “The Gates of Morning,” celebrating 20 years in publication.

Other selections include “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” “Blue Skies,” and “Let the River Run,” offering a powerful, uplifting close to the program.

Purchase your tickets ahead of time to reserve your place at this eclectic concert!

Advance tickets are $25, $20 for age 62 or older, or $15 for students; a $1 online handling fee will be added to the price of each ticket. Online ticket sales are available until 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 6. Tickets are an additional $2 at the door. Tickets are available for purchase online at gewchorale.org.shop.

Founded in January 1985, the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale is a vibrant community ensemble dedicated to building and sustaining a rich choral tradition in Chicago’s western suburbs.

The chorale is home to more than 60 singers, ranging from auditioning novices to professional-level musicians and performs a broad repertoire that includes jazz, gospel and spirituals, pop, sacred works, folk music, show tunes, and large-scale chorale compositions.

For 40 years, the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale has enriched the community through high-quality performances and a shared love of music. Its mission is to develop the musical abilities of its members, provide meaningful cultural experiences for audiences, and celebrate the universal power of choral song.

For more information, visit gewchorale.org.

To become a sponsor or support the Chorale, visit gewchorale.org/support/support-the-chorale