Chicago Artists Chorale to Perform at Athenaeum Theatre, 5/19

The Chicago Artists Chorale, a new group of more than 50 members from the area's professional arts community, will present the second concert of its inaugural season on May 19 at the Athenaeum Theatre. The performance will begin at 7:30pm.

The first portion of the concert will focus on composers from the British Isles. The Chorale will present songs by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and three motets by Irish composer Charles Stanford, while a smaller ensemble of 20 voices will sing a short set of works by English composer John Rutter. The second portion of the concert will serve as an exploration of the role of choral music in the vast canon of American musical theatre, highlighting the importance of ensemble singing through each decade from 1940 to 2015.

"We hope to develop a supportive following of those who love and cherish choral music as we do," said Founding Artistic Director and Conductor Tom Vendafreddo. Associate Director Devin DeSantis adds, "We plan to introduce various types of music and broaden the artistic experience for both singer and audience."

The chorale, the brainchild of Vendafreddo, formed after determining that he and many other area professional theatre artists missed the choral ensemble experience and the musicianship gained from performing in choirs in the past. The group - comprising musicians, actors, directors, stage managers, designers and others in the theatre community - gave its first concert in December to an audience of over 250 people.

The Chicago Artists Chorale's Company Manager is Stephen Schellhardt, and Managing Director is Lauren Iezzi.

The Athenaeum Theatre is located at 2936 N. Southport in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 773.935.6875 or online at www.athenaeumtheatre.org. Tickets are $30 for adults $12 for students and members of the theatre industry. Tickets include a $2 Athenaeum restoration fee. For more information, please email the Chorale at chicagoartistschorale@gmail.com.

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