Naperville Chorus

The Naperville Chorus was founded in 1976 as an organization dedicated to the advancement of choral music, the encouragement of participation in group singing, the development of the appreciation of good music, the presentation of choral programs, and the encouragement of cultural music in the community (see Chorus History).

Each year, the Chorus presents two major concerts, one in the fall/winter holiday season and one in the spring. Recent performances have included baroque music such as Bach’s Magnificat, Handel’s Messiah and Vivaldi’s Gloria, as well as lighter classics such as Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury and Pirates of Penzance (excerpts), and selections from Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. We have also performed 20th century music such as Honegger’s King David, Gian Carlo Menotti’s Bishop of Brindisi, Ramirez’ Misa Criolla, and selections from Andrew Lloyd Weber, Cole Porter and George Gershwin. We have collaborated with the Downers Grove Choral Society in the presentation of Israel in Egypt and Elijah, and have also performed with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra to present Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky, Russian Opera Choruses and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (also with the Downers Grove Choral Society). In 2011, the Chorus was privileged to perform Orf’s Carmine Burana with the Chicago Bar Association Orchestra and Chorus at Symphony Center in Chicago. Our most recent performance in May 2012, was of famous opera choruses. See Performance History for more information.

The Chorus has been fortunate to have Jeordano “Pete” Martínez as conductor and director of music with Jon Warfel as assistant director. We also have a very competent Board of Directors.

Music is important to the entire group, but we do have fun also. Monthly “treat nights” have included unusual theme cakes, based on the musical pieces we are rehearsing. We also hold a welcome social for new members each fall.

The Chorus is closely associated with North Central College in Naperville and is part of the Music Department curriculum. Students can earn college credit through Chorus participation. Additionally, the Chorus has performed for many years at North Central College’s Pfeiffer Hall. Since 2008, we are privileged to call the College’s new Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center our performance and rehearsal home. We are indebted to the College for their continued support over the years.

We would also like to acknowledge the Illinois Arts Council, a State of Illinois agency and the SECA, Special Events and Cultural Amenities funds of Naperville for their support. In the past.