Biography
Renowned for its excellence, the Chicago Symphony Chorus ranks among the finest vocal ensembles linked to a premier symphonic institution. Fritz Reiner, music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, created the group in 1957 by appointing Margaret Hillis to build a permanent choir worthy of appearing alongside the orchestra in concert. Hillis brought an accomplished background that included her title as a junior golf champion, her service as a civilian flying instructor for the U.S. Navy throughout World War II, and her musical training at Indiana University and the Juilliard School, where she had performed on tuba and string bass in her high school band. She had also served as assistant to Robert Shaw, widely regarded as America’s foremost choral conductor, and had led the chorus of New York’s American Opera Society.
Hillis met Reiner’s expectations with remarkable speed, shaping one of the world’s outstanding choral organizations. Grammy Awards have recognized multiple recordings featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and its chorus. The ensemble regularly joins other visiting orchestras for choral-orchestral repertoire and travels with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, earning strong critical praise during European engagements that have included Berlioz’s Damnation of Faust, Schoenberg’s Moses und Aron, and Brahms’ Requiem.
Duain Wolfe assumed leadership of the chorus in 1994, succeeding Hillis. He created the orchestra and chorus’ popular Welcome Yule! Christmas concert programs.
Hillis met Reiner’s expectations with remarkable speed, shaping one of the world’s outstanding choral organizations. Grammy Awards have recognized multiple recordings featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and its chorus. The ensemble regularly joins other visiting orchestras for choral-orchestral repertoire and travels with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, earning strong critical praise during European engagements that have included Berlioz’s Damnation of Faust, Schoenberg’s Moses und Aron, and Brahms’ Requiem.
Duain Wolfe assumed leadership of the chorus in 1994, succeeding Hillis. He created the orchestra and chorus’ popular Welcome Yule! Christmas concert programs.
Albums
