the Choral Arts

Choral programs at Rockefeller

Under the direction of James Kallembach, Rockefeller Chapel is home to a historic choral program honoring the collegiate chapel traditions, commissioning bold new works, and collaborating with vocalists from many streams.

The Rockefeller Chapel Choir

The Rockefeller Chapel Choir and its professional artists-in-residence sing at Sunday services and quarterly concerts or evensongs. Major concert works have recently included the Rachmaninov Vespers, Schafer’s Medieval Bestiary, and the Bach B Minor Mass with players from the Haymarket Opera Orchestra.

An active commissioning program ensures the inclusion of new works by UChicago and international composers, both established and emerging. A major collaborative focus is the Chapel’s unparalleled E.M. Skinner pipe organ and its university organists. Chapel Choir’s community includes students, faculty, staff, and neighboring vocalists from diverse backgrounds.

In recent years the choir has collaborated with Cantors David Berger and Alberto Mizrahi, premiered new works in Sanskrit and Lakota, and worked with resident choral conductor Mollie Stone and the Chicago Children’s Choir on selections in Xhosa.

Auditions

Auditions for the Chapel Choir are held during the first days of the autumn quarter. Details are posted on the central auditions website.

The Children’s Choir

The Rockefeller Children’s Choir is open to children ages 5 to 12, and is directed by Bill Hohnke. Membership in the group offers children an exemplary exposure to world music and the opportunity to perform at festival and occasional Sunday services at Rockefeller.

The children learn songs in French and Latin and other languages, and play drums and other percussion instruments as well as singing. Rehearsals take place on Sundays during services. Contact James Kallembach, director of chapel music, if your child is interested in participating.

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Rockefeller Memorial Chapel is part of Campus & Student Life.

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