The Apollo Chorus of Chicago Announces a Lineup of Both Classical and Contemporary Concerts for its 2013-2014 Season

The Apollo Chorus celebrates 142 years of making music as Chicago's oldest premier volunteer chorus with its 2013-2014 season, which features a lineup of classical and contemporary concerts. The season begins with a free "Music in the Neighborhood" Concert on Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 p.m. at The Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester. The music continues in December with two performances of Apollo Chorus's signature rendition of Handel's Messiahon Saturday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., and Saturday, December 21 at 3:00 p.m. at Harris Theater for Music & Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive. Choral Classics-Mozart's Great Mass in C & Dvorák'sTe Deum will be performed Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. at University of Chicago's Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave.; and the season finale Spring Concert, The Beatles & Friends, will be performed Friday, May 2 at 8:00 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut Street; and again Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Church, 848 Lake Street in Oak Park.

A diverse "Music in the Neighborhood" Concert will kick off the Apollo Chorus's historic 142nd season. This free event showcases a broad variety of music, including excerpts from upcoming concerts and favorite pieces from last season. Held at the Apostolic Church of God, one of Chicago's largest, most vibrant religious and musical communities, this event is a great opportunity for first-time audiences to experience the Apollo Chorus in a historic Chicago setting. The "Music in the Neighborhood" Concert will take place on Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 p.m. at the Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester, in Chicago.

Hailed as "Spirited!" by The Chicago Tribune, the Apollo Chorus's rendition of Handel's "Messiah" has been performed nearly every December since 1879-a track record unmatched by other city choral organizations. The annual performance is a beloved holiday tradition for Chicago families and includes some of the most joyful and memorable music from the Baroque period. This year, the chorus will perform Handel's "Messiah" in two of Chicago's most elegant spaces; on Saturday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m., the chorus returns to Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., and on Saturday, December 21 at 3:00 p.m. at the Harris Theater for Music & Dance, 205 E. Randolph Street.

The Apollo Chorus will be joined once again by the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra for this year's Choral Classics Concert, which will showcase the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonin Dvorák. The program features Mozart's Great Mass in C minor K.427 (K.417a) and Dvorák's Te Deum. Presented in University of Chicago's glorious Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Avenue, these brilliant sacred works are sure to delight the ears and inspire the soul. The Choral Classics Concert-Mozart's Great Mass in C & Dvorák's Te Deum will take place Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.

The Apollo Chorus will conclude its 142nd season with a lively performance of The Beatles & Friends. Perfect for all ages, this two-performance series features some of the Fab Four's most beloved classics from "All You Need is Love," to "Penny Lane," and other contemporary classic pop hits. The Beatles & Friends will take place on Friday, May 2 at 8:00 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut Street; and Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Church, 848 Lake Street in Oak Park.

The Apollo Chorus is Chicago's oldest musical organization, performing preeminent choral works at premier venues. Founded in 1872 in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, the chorus is one of the oldest volunteer choral organizations in the United States and the oldest musical organization in Chicago. Its approximately 120 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 Choruscontinually 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 $95. Regular priced tickets are $18-$75. To purchase individual tickets or to book a group, call 312.427.5620 or visit www.apollochorus.org.

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