Apollo Chorus of Chicago to Offer Teachers Free Tickets to Choral Classics Concert, 3/7

The Apollo Chorus of Chicago will honor teachers by offering them complimentary tickets to its Choral Classics concert on March 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Chicago's Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave. Tickets are limited to one per teacher and available at the door with a school ID. Music education contributes to stronger student engagement and accelerated academic performance, and the Apollo Chorus is thrilled to celebrate educators for all they do to mentor Chicago's children and youth.

The Apollo Chorus of Chicago will perform Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna and Schubert's Mass in A-flat in partnership with Renovo String Orchestra, who will also perform Britten's Simple Symphony. Music Director Dr. Stephen Alltop will also offer a free pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. to acquaint audience members with the history of this enchanting musical journey from 19th century Vienna to 20th century England and America.

The Choral Classics concert will take place in one of Chicago's most dramatic settings, allowing audiences to enjoy a multi-sensory experience from the beautiful music being performed by the chorus's 120 members of all ages to the wonderful ambiance of the historic chapel. Lauridsen's sublime "O nata lux" movement and Schubert's dynamic composition will soar in the majestic Rockefeller Chapel.

Choral Classics will feature solos from Tracy Cantin, Julie Anne Miller, Peder Reiff, and Richard Ollarsaba.

The Apollo Chorus is Chicago's oldest musical organization, founded in 1872 in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire. The Chorus is known for performing preeminent choral works at premier venues across the city and suburbs. Its approximately 120 auditioned members include men and women of all ages, races, and backgrounds brought together by their love of music. Newcity raves that "Alltop's unbroken track record for training his chorus to express such varieties of style and color rivals any other in the city!"

The Apollo Chorus has performed at notable historic events, such as the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the Century of Progress International Exposition, the opening of Medinah Temple, the opening of Orchestra Hall (Apollo was considered the official chorus of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra prior to the formation of the Symphony Chorus), the opening of Navy Pier, and the "Oprah Surprise Spectacular." The Apollo Chorus continually strives to advance musically and to share the power, beauty and majesty of choral music by presenting concerts and educational programs for diverse communities throughout Chicago and beyond.

Music educators who are interested in receiving their complimentary ticket will need to present their school ID at The Apollo Chorus box office upon arrival. Tickets can be picked up the night of the performance. Teachers who wish to bring a guest can also purchase tickets to the Choral Classics concert for $30 for adults and $10 student tickets. To purchase individual tickets or to book a group, call 312.427.5620 or visit www.apollochorus.org.