Press Coverage
South Holland chorale group to perform at Carnegie Hall
South Holland chorale group to perform at Carnegie Hall
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (April 2, 2025) – This summer, the well-known vocal group South Holland Master Chorale will display its vocal talent on the country’s most prestigious stage, Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The New York performance will take place, Sunday, June 8, in the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall. The concert will feature two works, Gabriel Faure’s Requiem and “Misatango” by Martín Palmeri.
Founded in the 1970s by the late J. Albert Kindig at what was then Thornton Junior College, now South Suburban College, the group later became the South Suburban Chorale. It was led by Albert M. Jackson from 1988 until 2022.
“I’m very excited to be working with a world-class choral conductor and learning from him. You know, directors can be inspired by their colleagues’ work as well,” said Bauman, of the Carnegie Hall performance.
“One thing I’m most looking forward to is singing in the choir. I’m looking forward to singing and contributing from the other side of the podium and making beautiful music with my fellow choir members.”
This is not the first time the South Holland Master Chorale has been considered for the honor of performing at a renowned New York City music venue. In fall 2023, the chorale presented the concert “Of Hope, Healing & Discovery,” featuring selections by American composer Christoper Tin.
The concert got the attention of the director of development for Distinguished Concerts International in New York, who was putting together a concert of Tin’s music for the spring of 2024. South Holland Master Chorale was selected to participate in the concert, but had to decline the offer due to scheduling conflicts, Bauman said.
While the group could not attend, they were encouraged to find another concert that interested them. When Bauman saw a concert by French composers on the Carnegie Hall calendar, he said he felt like it was an ideal opportunity.
“Having performed the Faure Requiem recently, a Carnegie Hall concert featuring that work seemed like the ideal concert setting for us,” Bauman said.
The performance will include other choirs from around the United States, as well as France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Canada.
Chorale members will arrive in New York City on the Thursday before the Saturday concert and depart on Monday evening, with three rehearsals leading up to the show. Even with a tight schedule, Bauman said the group will make time for a little sightseeing, including plans to take in a Broadway show.
“One of the hardest decisions we’ll need to make is which show to attend, with so many to choose from,” he said.
Phil Schwartz of Park Forest and his wife Lori have been members of South Holland Master Chorale since 1996.
“We are excited for the opportunity to sing on the Carnegie Hall stage where so many prominent singers and groups have preceded us,” Schwartz said. “Also, we will have the experience of making this beautiful music with singers and musicians from many different countries.
“What I enjoy most about singing with the chorale is the fellow singers who are willing to put in the effort to produce music that can inspire and support so many people.”
Bauman called the South Holland Master Chorale “an incredible group of dedicated singers.” Thirty-eight of its members will participate in the Carnegie Hall concert.
“All our singers volunteer their time,” Bauman said. “It’s a big commitment of time and talent. But our singers love to sing and make glorious music with one another. They put their heart and soul into everything they do. ”
Hortense Harris of South Holland has been a member of the chorale for three years.
“I enjoy being around people who are delighted to sing all categories of music. Some singers are more experienced than others, but once the music is learned, it’s one beautiful sound that’s presented,” said Harris. “I believe it’s a privilege and honor to be able to perform at Carnegie Hall. This is something you can only dream about.”
There will be two opportunities to see South Holland Master Chorale locally before their trip to New York. They’ll perform May 18 at Thorn Creek Reformed Church in South Holland and on June 1 at St. John the Evangelist in St. John.
Bauman said he considers the chorale’s performance an opportunity to represent the village, community and state on one of the world’s most recognized and sought-after stages.
“It is an honor to be selected to participate in this concert. It is a testament to the dedication and artistry of the choir that we were sought after and selected to be in this concert,” he said.
Upcoming South Holland Master Chorale performances
Duruflé Requiem | A Concert for All Souls
Melodies from Gregorian chant blend with lush writing for the organ and voices in this beloved masterpiece of sacred music. The ethereal writing of French composer and organist Maurice Duruflé highlights his florid musical style as he chose to focus on the consoling portions of the Requiem – the notion of finding peace and light amid suffering runs throughout his selected texts and his settings. Mozart’s delightful Misericordias Domini (the goodness of the Lord) begins the program as the chorale prepares for its New York debut at Carnegie Hall.
The delicate and reflective power of Duruflé’s music is juxtaposed with the buoyancy and youthfulness of Mozart’s contrapuntal masterpiece, creating a concert of delightful contrasts.
4 p.m. Sunday, May 18
Thorn Creek Reformed Church
1875 E. 170th St.
South Holland, Illinois
4 p.m. Sunday, June 1
St. John the Evangelist
10701 Olcott Ave.
St. John, Indiana