The Naperville Chorus Celebrates 50th Anniversary with a Concert at Wentz Hall
The Naperville Chorus will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a special concert, Opera Choruses & Great Choral Classics, on Sunday, April 19 at 4:00 pm at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville.
Under the direction of the chorus’s new maestro, Kevin Kelly, the program will feature some of the most powerful and beloved works in the choral repertoire. Audience members can expect a stirring afternoon of music, including “March of the Toreadors,” “Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves,” Verdi’s “Sanctus,” and Mozart’s “Lacrimosa,” along with other favorites from the great operatic and choral tradition performed by a tapestry of voices and full orchestra.
As part of the milestone anniversary, the performance will also recognize special guests from across the chorus community, celebrating five decades of music-making, collaboration, and artistic achievement.
The Chorus is led by Music Director Kevin Kelly and Assistant Director Jon Warfel. Kelly is an accomplished conductor and music educator with decades of experience in Illinois. He founded the Prairie Ensemble, has directed multiple choirs including Voices of Hope, and has led numerous youth and community music programs. A former classical music host at WILL-FM, he has collaborated with both university and professional ensembles. Kevin holds degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois and has performed with professional choruses such as the Chicago Symphony Chorus.
The Naperville Chorus draws its members from Naperville and the greater Chicagoland area. The chorus has spent the last half-century bringing high-quality choral music to the community while creating opportunities for singers and audiences to connect through the power of live performance. The Naperville Chorus is funded by the Illinois Arts Council; the Special Events and Community Arts Fund of Naperville, and many individual donors.
The 50th anniversary concert offers a chance for longtime supporters, alumni, and new audiences alike to experience the rich tradition of choral music that has defined the ensemble for five decades.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3540398-0
