Apollo Chorus of Chicago Sets 2014-15 Season

The iconic Apollo Chorus, Chicago's oldest musical organization, announces its 2014-2015 season, featuring a diverse repertoire of classic choral works and contemporary concerts performed in legendary Chicago settings. The Apollo Chorus' 143rd year begins with a must-see preview of this season's engagements: the free "Music in the Neighborhood" Concert takes place on Sunday, November 2 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John Cantius Church, 825 N Carpenter St, in Chicago. The music continues in December with two performances of what has become a renowned Chicago tradition: Apollo Chorus's signature rendition of the classic piece, Handel's Messiah, on Saturday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m. at Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., and Saturday, December 20 at 3:00 p.m. at Harris Theater for Music & Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive. Britten's Simple Symphony, Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna and Schubert's Mass in A-flat will be performed Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at University of Chicago's stunning Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave. The exhilarating season finale Spring Concert, International Voices, will take place Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut Street, and Sunday, May 3 at 3:00 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. in Elmhurst.

"After conquering new musical heights in its previous season, The Apollo Chorus ventures into one of Schubert's most daring masterworks (Mass in A-flat) while exploring stunning vocal music from eight different countries," says Stephen Alltop, Music Director & Conductor of The Apollo Chorus.

The Apollo Chorus kicks off its 143rd season with a free "Music in the Neighborhood" Concert, showcasing breathtaking works by Handel, Schubert and Lauridsen, as well as past favorites, including a few numbers from May's Beatles & Friends finale concert, which was performed to a capacity audience. The free concert will take place at St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter St., a Chicago architectural gem where the chorus will perform with the church's magnificently restored organ, on November 2, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.

Hailed as "Spirited!" by the Chicago Tribune, the Apollo Chorus's rendition of Handel's "Messiah" has been performed nearly every December since 1879-a track record unmatched by other city choral organizations. Few works today are as celebrated or beloved as Handel's Messiah, and this annual performance has become a holiday tradition for many Chicago families. As John von Rhein from the Chicago Tribune enthused, "The oldest musical organization in Chicago has much to sing 'hallelujah' about." Soloists include Elisabeth Marshall, J'nai Bridges, Samuel Levine, and David Govertsen. Handel's "Messiah will be performed at the beautiful Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., on December 6, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. and at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Dr., on December 20, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.

The Apollo Chorus' performance of Britten's Simple Symphony, Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna and Schubert's Mass in A-flat, will be an engaging journey from 19th century Vienna to 20th century England and America. Lauridsen's sublime "O nata lux" movement and Schubert's dynamic composition will soar in the majestic Rockefeller Chapel. The Apollo Chorus is joined by the Renovo String Orchestra and will feature solos from Tracy Cantin, Julie Anne Miller, Peder Reiff, and Richard Ollarsaba. The performance will take place on March 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave.

For the season finale, The Apollo Chorus will present the soaring concert, International Voices. Audiences will be thrilled by music from distant shores, including mesmerizing vocal effects from Venezuela, Georgian chanting and delightful Celtic melodies with intricate instrumental accompaniments. International Voices will feature a variety of genres from American folksong to gospel and will feature pieces by international luminaries such as Paul Ayres, James MacMillan, Erik Esenvalds, Arvo Pärt, and Eric Whitacre. Performances are on May 1, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., and on May 3, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Rd. in Elmhurst.

The Apollo Chorus is Chicago's oldest musical organization, founded in 1872 in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, performing preeminent choral works at premier venues. 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!" Its approximately 120 auditioned members include men and women of all ages, races, and backgrounds brought together by their love of music. 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 chorus will also perform this year at the 125th Anniversary Gala of the Auditorium Theatre on Dec. 9, 2014 with a rousing rendition of "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from the iconic musical, LES MISERABLES, which they also performed at the 1889 opening. 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.

Season subscriptions are $100. Regular priced tickets are $18-$80. To purchase individual tickets or to book a group, call 312.427.5620 or visit www.apollochorus.org.