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Support the next generation of composers and singers by attending Chicago Master Singers' NextGen concerts.
Each NextGen experience features the opportunity to: • Meet a renowned composer • Hear a concert of pieces exclusively by the resident composer • Meet singers from collaborating youth or high school choirs • Experience the inspiration of a combined piece where CMS and the students surround the audience and sing together • Participate in a pre-concert conversation with the composer and CMS Music Director John C. Hughes • Attend an informal post-concert reception with the composer, Music Director, CMS members, and collaborating singers Scroll down to learn more about our upcoming and prior NextGen experiences. |
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NextGen 2026: Michael John Trotta
Friday, February 27 at 7:30pm
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Perhaps our most inspirational concert of the season. Come hear nearly 200 singers, ranging from pre-teens to octogenarians, raise their voices together in a remarkable testament to the power of music and community. Composer Michael John Trotta will join us for a concert of his music, including his new Requiem setting, which was recently recorded by Tenebrae, one of the UK’s finest choirs. You’re sure to love Michael’s lush, melodious music that comforts and elevates audiences around the world. CMS collaborates with singers from Vernon Hills High School (Jeremy Little, Director) and Campanella Children's Choir (Marianna Kosaya, Director). Click here for the complete song list. Pre-concert conversation at 6:45pm featuring Michael John Trotta and Music Director John C. Hughes. This performance will last approximately one hour and ten minutes.
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Previous NextGen Collaborations
NextGen 2025: Jake Runestad
CMS was honored to work with composer Jake Runestad, cellist Paula Kosower, pianist Lyudmila Lakisova, singers from Conant High School led by Tim Koll, and singers from Glenbard West High School led by Andy Jeffrey.
The concert featured Cello Songs, American Triptych, and I Will Lift Mine Eyes performed by CMS, Your Soul Is Song and Ner Ner performed by the high school ensembles, and Let My Love Be Heard performed by all 160 singers.
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Hear directly from the participants by clicking here.
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Composer Jake Runestad works with high school singers
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Singers from CMS, Conant High School, and Glenbard West High School rehearse during NextGen 2025
NextGen 2024: Elaine Hagenberg
The inaugural NextGen concert in 2024 featured composer Elaine Hagenberg, the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, pianist Lyudmila Lakisova, Fremd Chamber Singers led by Christina Collins, and Lake Zurich Concert Choir led by Nick Juknelis.
The concert featured a selection of Ms. Hagenberg's beautiful and inspiring works, including I Will Be a Child of Peace, Illuminare, Alleluia, By Night, and The Music of Stillness.
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Hear directly from the participants by clicking here.
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Left to right: Elaine Hagenberg, Nick Juknelis,
Christina Collins, and John C. Hughes |
Singers from Lake Zurich and Fremd High Schools work with composer Elaine Hagenberg during a half-day clinic.
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