Apollo Chorus of Chicago Announces its 2016-2017 Season

One of the most legendary musical organizations in the nation, The Apollo Chorus, celebrates 145 years of making music with its 2016-2017 milestone season featuring an exhilarating lineup of classical and contemporary concerts.

Kicking off the 145th Season is a free preview concert, Music in the Neighborhood, on Sunday, November 6 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Of the Cross Church, 320 S Washington St, Park Ridge, fusing classic favorites with fresh new excerpts from the upcoming season. The Apollo Chorus' signature rendition of Handel's "Messiah" is back for another festive year on Saturday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Harris Theater for Music & Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. On Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m., audiences will enjoy the first concert of 2017, Choral Classics- Bach's Mass in B Minor, at the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave, Naperville. Continuing its long history of working with outstanding composers of our time, The Apollo Chorus presents American Masters as the season finale Spring concert, with two performances on Friday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E Chestnut St., and again on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 3:00p.m.at Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Rd, Evanston.

Audiences will catch a sneak peek of The Apollo Chorus' historic 145th Season with their annual Music in the Neighborhood Concert,featuring a broad variety of music, including excerpts from upcoming concerts and favorite pieces from last season. Held at the beautiful St. Paul Of the Cross Church in Park Ridge, the free event is sure delight audiences with a wide variety of music, including works by Handel and Bach, as well as hit Broadway classics. Sunday, November 6 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Of the Cross Church, 320 S Washington St, Park Ridge.

Hailed as a "venerable holiday tradition" performed with "an exultant spirit that came from the heart" by The Chicago Tribune, The Apollo Chorus' rendition of Handel's "Messiah" has been performed every December since 1879-a track record unmatched by other choral organizations. This year, the Apollo welcomes outstanding soloists Josefien Stoppelenburg, soprano, Meg Bragle, mezo-soprano, Mark Van Arsdale, tenor and Levi Hernandez, baritone, making this year's performances the most memorable to date. Presented at the iconic Harris Theater for Music & Dance, Handel's "Messiah" offers audiences the rare opportunity to experience the power and passion of Messiah as they've never heard it before. Saturday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Harris Theater for Music & Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago.

Known for its masterful performances of some of the most beloved repertoire in choral music, The Apollo Chorus has collaborated with the Renovo String Orchestra for the first concert of the new year, Bach's Mass in B Minor Considered Bach's most profound and beautiful musical piece, the legendary composer spent the last years of his life undertaking what he knew would be his final great achievement. Returning to Apollo are soprano Scherazade Panthaki and bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba, joined by mezzo-soprano Kate Tombaugh and tenor Charles Blandy making make their Apollo debuts. Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave, Naperville.

The Apollo Chorus will conclude its 145th Season with a lively performance of American Masters, celebrating outstanding composer and multiple Emmy winner, Jeff Beal, (Netflix's House of Cards). The program includes the Midwest premiere of Beal's The Salvage Men and Poor in Spirit, with the composer himself performing on trumpet. Music of Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Randall Thompson and Eric Whitacre will complete the not-to-be-missed concert experience. Friday, May 5, at 7:30 pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago; and Sunday, May 7, at 3:00 pm at Alice Millar Chapel, Northwestern University, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston.

The Apollo Chorus, founded in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, is one of the most recognizable volunteer choral organizations in the United States. Its approximately 130 auditioned members include men and women of all ages, races, and backgrounds brought together by their love of music. The chorus has performed the master works of the choral repertoire, as well as new masterpieces from contemporary composers. The Apollo Chorus has performed at notable historic events, such as the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the Century of Progress International Exposition, the opening of Medinah Temple, the opening of Orchestra Hall (Apollo was considered the official chorus of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra prior to the formation of the Symphony Chorus), the opening of Navy Pier, and the "Oprah Surprise Spectacular." The Apollo Chorus continually strives to advance musically and to share the power, beauty and majesty of choral music by presenting concerts and educational programs for diverse communities throughout Chicago and beyond.

Season subscriptions are $120. Regular priced tickets are $30-$70. To purchase tickets call 312.427.5620 or visit www.apollochorus.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.