Chicago a cappella

Description

Chicago a cappella is one of the area's most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles. Performing with 10 outstanding singers and no conductor, the group spans a repertoire from Gregorian chant to the Beatles and beyond. Their vocal virtuosity and eclectic programs have earned a reputation for leadership in the choral field. Founded in 1993, the ensemble has been heard frequently on radio and has produced nine CD recordings, including releases on the Cedille, Centaur, and Gothic labels. Chicago a cappella has been hailed as "the area's best unaccompanied group" (Chicago Magazine) and "the city's liveliest, most versatile vocal ensemble" (Chicago Tribune).

Work Sample

These samples hint at the broad musical range of Chicago a cappella’s repertoire. Many programs include a mix of many musical styles and periods, illustrating a larger theme or story. Other programs take a deep dive into one particular genre. The first two selections illustrate our work in popular music (“Roundabout,” part of our concert “The History of Rock and Soul, Part 2”), and international musical traditions (“Warszawa, moja Warszawa,” heard on our program “Polish Splendor”). The third sample demonstrates a more varied mix, in the context of a full-length concert video. This recording of “Holidays a cappella” from 2021 includes medieval and Renaissance works, contemporary compositions, songs for Hanukkah, arrangements of familiar holiday standards, and music from the Republic of Georgia, Poland, and Puerto Rico.

"Roundabout" by Jon Anderson and Steve Howe, arranged by Patrick Sinozich, with audio and video by Paul Langford. (Duration 6:11) This performance is one of a series of video productions created during the 2020-21 season. It demonstrates one aspect of the ensemble's wide repertoire, which includes popular styles such as this 1970s rock classic.

"Warszawo, Moja Warszawo" by Zygmunt Karasiṅski, Szymon Kataszek, and Andrjez Włast, arranged by Jonathan Miller, with audio and video by Paul Langford. (Duration 3:32) This is another video production from the 2020-21 season, demonstrating the ensemble's musical range. This Polish "kabaret" song from the 1930s was first performed on our program "Polish Splendor" in 2019.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdZiT90hi-E

"Holidays a cappella" - complete concert. (Duration 1:25:24) Recorded live in concert on December 10, 2021, at Buchanan Chapel in Chicago's Fourth Presbyterian Church. Music direction by Paul Nicholson and Paul Langford. This video captures the experience of a live performance by Chicago a cappella. The concert includes repertoire stretching from medieval chant and Renaissance music to contemporary works and popular holiday songs.

History

Chicago a cappella is dedicated to advancing the art and appreciation of ensemble singing. We have performed over 300 concerts in the Chicago area, toured in 13 states and Mexico, and sung over 100 special appearances. Our performance on the Ravinia Festival’s “BGH Classics” series sold out in less than two weeks. A frequent guest on WFMT Radio, the ensemble has also appeared on BBC Radio and has made over 30 appearances on the nationally-syndicated radio series "Performance Today." At radio station WFMT’s request, Chicago a cappella produced an hour-long radio special for Hanukkah featuring live concert recordings from our archives, which is distributed nationally every year. The group has long been a champion of living composers and has presented several hundred works in their world, national, or local premieres. Our work with students and young professionals includes a Youth Choral Festival; “¡Cantaré! Chicago,” a composer-in-residence program connecting students with an artist from Mexico; and “HerVoice,” a competition and mentorship program for emerging women composers.

Artistic Vision

Chicago a cappella was founded in 1993 to fulfill a singular idea: that a small vocal ensemble could transcend traditional classical boundaries and provide enriching experiences for an ever-widening audience. After more than a quarter century, we continue to provide the highly professional musical quality, creative programming, and personal connection to audiences that have been key to our success thus far. Our classically-trained singers are among the area’s most accomplished vocalists, with credentials including the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Music of the Baroque, the Grant Park Chorus, and wide ranging solo work. We aim to bring the professionalism and skill of these musicians to every style of music, treating each genre with equal respect and dedication while broadening audiences’ musical horizons. Our audiences are generally people who attend between 6 and 17 arts events a year, rather than those who go the symphony or opera every weekend. Chicago a cappella therefore holds a unique position in the region’s classical music scene, providing a bridge between classical and popular music while connecting with audiences on a deeply personal level.