From Nordic landscapes to Record Row: Chicago a cappella reveals diverse 2026-27 concert season
“The Northern Lights” fall concert kicks off Chicago a cappella’s 2026-27 season in October with music from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, filled with themes of nature, folklore, and light.
The unaccompanied vocal ensemble’s annual “Holidays a cappella concert” returns in December with festive works — both traditional and contemporary — from around the world.
To wrap up the season, the spring concert program called “Record Row” will pay tribute to the recording studios on South Michigan Avenue that made Chicago a powerhouse of American soul, blues, and rock from the 1950s to the ’70s.
“We are thrilled to bring this sensational set of exciting concerts to both new and longtime Chicago a cappella audiences for our 2026-27 season,” said Matt Greenberg, executive director. “The upcoming season offers a fun mix of comfort and familiarity, along with exploration and freshness. Our goal is always to curate a season of programs that bring joy, innovation, and education to our audiences through truly extraordinary music and exceptional voices”
Chicago a cappella’s artists include John William Trotter, Ryan Cox, Benjamin Rivera, Augustine Ahn, Megan Bell, Matthew Brennan, Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Ace Gangoso, Miya Higashiyama, Amanda Kohl, Adam Kosberg, Joe Labozetta, Katelyn Lee, Kristin Lelm, Thereza Lituma, Chelsea Lyons, Trevor Mitchell, Cari Plachy, and Alan Taylor.
All three programs are full-length concerts (110 minutes including an intermission) recommended for ages 10 or older. Tickets are on sale now at chicagoacappella.org.
“Northern Lights”
This kickoff fall concert program, with music direction by John William Trotter, combines luminous harmonies, landscapes, and timeless stories. Performances will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. in Oak Park; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Murphy Auditorium, 50 E. Erie St. in Chicago; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave. in Evanston.
“Holidays a cappella”
This winter concert explores how centuries of music have expressed the wonder of the season, from ancient chants and Renaissance carols to contemporary works and cherished holiday classics. This annual concert, with music direction by John William Trotter, invites the audience to experience the holidays through music, old and new. This year, “Holidays a cappella” will include a special family-friendly performance for the first time.
Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Buchanan Chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St. in Chicago; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. in Oak Park; 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave. in Evanston.
The concert offering a special family-friendly format will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Buchanan Chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St. in Chicago
“Record Row”
Chicago a cappella’s spring concert, with a program by Ace Gangoso and music direction by Benjamin Rivera, will feature the iconic songs from Record Row, a 10-block stretch of Chicago's South Michigan Avenue where several independent record companies like the historic Chess and Vee Jay labels produced blues, R&B, jazz and soul music in the mid-20th century.
Performances will be 3 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave. in Evanston; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at the Studebaker Theater at the Historic Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago; and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at the McAninch Arts Center’s Belushi Performance Hall, 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn
Tickets for all performances are $40-$60, with a limited number of $10 student tickets and pay-what-you-can tickets available at select performances. Additionally, audiences can purchase an on-demand digital streaming ticket for $40 (with a pay-what-you-can $20 minimum option). Further discounts are available for members and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available now at chicagoacappella.org.
Chicago a cappella is a dynamic ensemble comprising 10 exceptionally talented singers who passionately celebrate every music genre. With remarkable voices, charismatic personalities, and an unwavering commitment to ensemble singing, their creative concert experiences forge deep connections with audiences, inspiring both awe and laughter. Founded in the early 1990s, Chicago a cappella has traversed the nation, collaborated with esteemed guest artists, and earned accolades for their concerts and recordings.