About Chicago Master Singers

Inspiration | Dedication | Excellence | Community


Chicago Master Singers' vision is to grow a culture of inclusive, intergenerational ensemble singing through extraordinary musical experiences that lift the human spirit. Our mission is to inspire singers and audiences through personal connections and musical excellence.

Established in 1979, Chicago Master Singers (CMS) is an auditioned chorus of 100 volunteer singers from Chicago and suburban communities. The ensemble’s repertoire includes great choral works and new works by living composers. CMS performs unaccompanied, and also collaborates with professional instrumentalists and soloists. The chorus has international acclaim, having toured extensively throughout Europe for the past 30 years. 

CMS has developed several education initiatives, including choral workshops featuring outstanding clinicians and CMS University seminars.

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

“...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