|
During this difficult time, we offer you this beautiful piece by Philip Stopford. Enjoy.
|
A Message from the Maestro
Dear members of the Chicago Master Singers family,
With the well-being of our patrons and musicians as our top priority, we have made the disappointing but necessary decision to postpone our April 24th and 26th Beethoven concerts and the May 2nd gala benefit. The good news is that we can look forward to enjoying these milestone events together later this year. Details of our exciting plans for our concerts are under the new tab for 2020-2021 Season and the benefit update is under the Support tab. Until then, I hope you will use this time of sheltering at home to spend quality time with your loved ones, rest, listen to great music and contemplate what is most important. At the same time, we hold in our hearts and prayers those who continue to work at essential jobs on the front lines of this health crisis and those who suffer illness or need. I am confident that we will emerge from this difficult time with renewed inner strength and joy. Fr. Alan Heatherington Music Director, Chicago Master Singers Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. |
|
WelcomeThe Chicago Master Singers (CMS) was founded in 1979. Our repertoire consists of the great choral and orchestral works of the past as well as contemporary works by living composers. Chorus members are drawn from over 50 communities around the greater Chicago area and come from all walks of life and professions. For some, music is their vocation as professional singers, teachers and choir directors; and for others it is their avocation, a way to enrich their lives by coming together with others who love to sing and performing great works of music. CMS embarks on a European performance tour every two years as ambassadors of goodwill.
|
|
We welcome you to hear our concerts, support our mission and, should you wish, to audition to join CMS.
|
Alan Heatherington, Music DirectorAlan Heatherington has built his career in the Chicago metropolitan area as a choral and orchestral conductor, a violinist/concertmaster and an educator. So distinguished are his accomplishments that the Chicago Tribune named him a Chicagoan of the Year in the arts in 2004. The Illinois Council of Orchestras awarded him the title of Conductor of the Year for 2005 and again in 2012. In 2010 he received the Cultural Leadership Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, for “sustained leadership, extending beyond his own organizations and community, that has profoundly impacted the state of the arts in Illinois.” He was the recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award from Chicago Classical Review. He has held the post of Music Director of the Chicago Master Singers (CMS) since 1989.
What the critics say“Chicago Master Singers, by almost any measure, has to be considered among the city’s top choral ensembles.” Kyle MacMillan, chicagoclassicalreview.com
“…what came through powerfully was the deep emotion and intense spirituality of the music. Heatherington’s focused, scrupulous direction of his forces—vocal quartet, orchestra and large chorus—conveyed … the intense drama of the music, deftly varying the slow tempos to provide expressive variety.” Lawrence Johnson, chicagoclassicalreview.com “Conductor Alan Heatherington, his Ars Viva Orchestra, a quartet of vocalists and the Chicago Master Singers were top-flight companions in large works of sacred music by Schumann and Bruckner. The music seemed tailor-made for the Divine Word Chapel, a cathedral with a live-wire acoustic …” Bryant Manning, chicagoclassicalreview.com “… the transparency of Chicago Master Singers is extraordinary, to be sure. Heatherington kept a tight rein on dynamics, balances and diction all evening and, despite the resonance of the space, lines and texts remained clear.” Dennis Polkow, chicagoclassicalreview.com “The Chicago Master Singers – 129 strong – delivered daunting corporate power … and dedication in their challenging role. … the vocalism and tonal refinement was impressive" Lawrence Johnson, chicagoclassicalreview.com |
