Photos by Dan Dry

The Group

Chicago Chorale, a 60-voice ensemble of volunteer singers, takes as its guiding principle the concept of the amateur in the truest sense of the word: those who cultivate a craft out of genuine love and dedication. Chorale performs repertoire from the sixteenth century to the present day, from well-loved choral works to overlooked masterpieces—but always music that will stimulate its singers and audiences, and always with a commitment to musical excellence. Led by Artistic Director Bruce Tammen, the members of Chorale, hailing from various backgrounds and professions, take pride in continuing the tradition of great amateur choral institutions of the past. Through sensitive and thought-provoking performances, Chorale seeks to expand the musical appreciation of its audiences as well as serve as an example of the highest choral ideals.

Past performances include the Requiems of Howells, Durufle, Faure, Brahms, and Mozart; Martin's Mass for Double Chorus, Tallis' Lamentations of Jeremiah, Handel's Messiah, Schoenberg's Friede auf Erden, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion, Mass in B Minor, Magnificat, and Christmas Oratorio, which the choir performed both in Chicago and in Mexico City with the Orquesta del Nuevo Mundo. In August 2008 the Chorale performed at the Ravinia Music Festival with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Erich Kunzel. Chorale has appeared three times on WFMT (98.7 FM) radio's "Live with Kerry Frumkin" and recorded three CDs, with another recording planned for May 2009.

The Conductor, Bruce Tammen

Conductor and Artistic Director Bruce Tammen holds degrees from Luther College, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago; he has taught voice and directed choirs at Luther College, the University of Chicago, and the University of Virginia. Tammen studied extensively in France with Dalton Baldwin and Gerard Souzay, and for several years studied with Max Van Egmond at Oberlin's Baroque Performance Institute. He has performed several seasons under Helmuth Rilling at the Oregon Bach Festival, and with the Robert Shaw Choral Institute, in Souillac, France. Tammen is baritone soloist on the Telarc/Shaw compact discs Appear and Inspire and Liebeslieder Waltzes.

The Members