Choral Arts at the University of Chicago
Rockefeller Chapel Choir
Singing sacred masterworks of all periods and styles, this choir of 30-40 voices performs at Sunday morning services in the magnificent acoustics of Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. The full choir sings 6-7 Sundays per quarter in a full liturgical schedule that includes entire settings of the mass from Palestrina to Vaughan Williams as well as a quarterly Choral Evensong and selections from World Music traditions. The choir also presents three additional concerts per season, such as performances of Bach’s St. John Passion with period instruments and world premieres of new music. From within the group, the Rockefeller Sixteen sings 2-3 Sundays each quarter, concentrating on music written before 1700. Membership includes several active professional singers from the Chicago area as well as rigorously auditioned students, faculty, and community.
Vocal auditions are held during Orientation Week at the beginning of autumn quarter. Visit the Music Department’s auditions page for more information, or contact James Kallembach.
Rehearsal: Thursdays, 7-9:30 pm
Motet Choir
As the premier undergraduate choral ensemble at the University of Chicago, the Motet Choir accepts 28-36 voices each year. Singing a cappella masterworks of all periods, this group frequently includes music of the Renaissance in its repertoire, as well as music as diverse as Gregorian Chant and Gospel standards. The group performs at least three concerts per year (one each quarter), sings at convocations and many other events such as last year’s preconcert event at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Center. The Motet Choir goes on tour every second year during spring break. In 2010, the group heads for the Twin Cities, touring through Madison, Eau Claire, St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Visit the Music Department’s Motet Choir page for more information.
Rehearsal: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 12 noon to 1:20 pm
University Women’s Chorale
The University Women’s Chorale is a newly formed ensemble under the direction of Elizabeth Shapavalov. Women in the Chorale come from all schools and majors on the Chicago campus. The repertoire reflects and supports the diversity of the student and faculty body at the University of Chicago. Visit the Music Department’s Women’s Chorale page for more information.
University Chorus
Focusing primarily on masterworks for orchestra and voices, the University Chorus is the largest choral ensemble on campus. The season includes an annual production of Handel’s Messiah, as well as productions of great works such as Mozart’s Mass In C Minor. Among the approximately 80-100 members are undergraduates, graduates, and many singers from the Hyde Park and University community, creating a wonderfully diverse group of backgrounds while offering an opportunity to sing with fellow students, coworkers, and neighbors. The group presents three or four concerts per season, culminating in a festive year-end performance with the Performance Program’s other choirs and the University Symphony Orchestra.
Vocal auditions are held during Orientation Week at the beginning of autumn quarter. Visit the Music Department’s University Chorus page for more information.
Rehearsal: Mondays, 7-9:30 pm
