Apollo Chorus presents Fall Preview Concert "United Voices"

The Simple Gifts Community Concert Series is proud to present the Apollo Chorus in performance on Sunday, November 4 at 3:00 p.m. performing their Fall Preview Concert, “United Voices”. Admission is free, but donations to offset the costs of the Concert Series are appreciated.

Founded in 1872, the 120 audition voice Apollo Chorus is one of the oldest volunteer choral societies in the United States and the oldest musical organization in Chicago. Prior to the Chicago Fire in October of 1871, the City had boasted many neighborhood and ethno-centric choruses, but along with much of the City, their rehearsal halls and music collections were destroyed. The Apollo Chorus unified these singers into a new organization restoring civic pride and morale following the devastation.

The concert will feature the chorus singing selections from Messiah by George Frideric Handel, “Introit-Kyrie” from Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, and “Gloria” from Vierne’s Messe Solennelle. Dr. Stephen Alltop will perform Duruflé’s “Prelude and Fugue on the Name of ALAIN” on the church’s John Paul Buzard Opus 21 organ. The second half of the concert will be choral selections illustrating War, including “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”, and Peace and Unity, including selections from Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and the musical Ragtime.

Conductor Stephen Alltop has built a career not only as a conductor of orchestral and choral ensembles but also as a solo keyboard artist. The 2018-2019 season marks his twenty-second year as Music Director of the Apollo Chorus of Chicago. Dr. Alltop has served as a member of Northwestern University's conducting and keyboard faculties since 1994 where he conducts the Alice Millar Chapel Choir and the Baroque Music Ensemble. He also serves as music director for the Green Lake Choral Institute in Wisconsin and the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. In 2012, he was named Conductor of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras for his work with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. He is in his fifth season as Music Director and Conductor of the Champaign Urbana Symphony Orchestra, the professional orchestra in residence at the University of Illinois Krannert Center.

Glenview Community Church is located at 1000 Elm Street (at Glenview Road). The building is handicap accessible and has free onsite parking. It is 3 blocks west of the Glenview Metra North train station.

Visit www.gccmusic.org, email simplegifts@gccucc.org, or call 847-724-2210 for further details.