Wilmette-Based Sheridan Singers Choir To Perform At Carnegie Hall

WILMETTE, IL — A local choir is scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City on President's Day weekend. The Sheridan Singers rehearses in Wilmette and includes members from around Chicago and North Shore communities. On Feb. 16, the 27-voice ensemble will perform John Rutter's "Requiem" at Carnegie Hall's Isaac Stern Auditorium, according to a release.

Oscar Alcantara, the choir's director, said the opportunity to perform at such a prestigious venue was a great privilege. He said the choir had been rehearsing the seven-movement piece since the fall.

"I'm really proud of the quality of music we make together," Alcantara said. "I'm ecstatic that we were chosen to perform alongside such talented musicians and ensembles."

Alcantara has directed choral groups for more than 35 years, according to an online biography. Formed in 2013, the "highly selective" Sheridan Singers have been invited to perform as a guest chorus at congregations, civic ceremonies and other events around the city and suburbs.

Ahead of the performance, the Sheridan Singers is set to travel to New York City on Feb. 13 for a three-day residency, according to the release. The group will have the chance to rehearse and perform with some of the 10 other participating ensembles.

The concert, titled "Perpetual Light," is presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York, or DCINY. After the English composer's "Requiem," the performance will include pieces from Rain Worthington, Mark John McEncroe, Arthur Gottschalk and Sergio Cervetti.

Jonathan Griffin, principal conductor, artistic director and co-founder of DCINY, explained how North Shore ensemble earned a trip to Carnegie Hall.

"The Sheridan Singers received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers as well as the exceptional quality of their audition recording," Griffin said. "These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community."