The theme A Time and Place for Us emerged from the chorale's long journey to find new locations for rehearsing and performing. After losing our longstanding venue in 2023, our hard-working committee researched 55 sites in the Chicago suburbs. We finally landed at locations in Wheaton and Elmhurst.
One year later, the new rehearsal venue decided they could no longer accommodate us. Our committee took a deep breath and began the search again under the capable leadership of Paul Drennan (baritone). We visited 30 locations, and it became clear that Glen Ellyn's Main Street Recreation Center was an ideal choice for us at this time.
The Rec Center was the very first home of the Glen Ellyn Community Chorale, which later became Glen Ellyn–Wheaton Chorale. Dr. Ramona Wis founded the group and conducted their first concert on April 30, 1985. This year is our 40th anniversary, and with our return to the Rec Center, we feel we have come home again.
To honor the journey of finding our new/old home, we are creating an exhilarating and heartfelt concert, A Time and Place for Us. The chorale is joined by a professional chamber orchestra to perform selections from Bernstein's West Side Story with additional works by Bob Dylan, Paul John Rudoi, Blake Morgan, Ola Gjeilo, Dan Forrest, Mack Wilberg, and a new piece by local composer Lee Kesselman, "Hymn to Time."
As we delve into our inspiring repertoire, the broader and deeper significance of our theme is revealing itself in profound ways. Every life has a story, and every heart has a home.
It is our joy to bring you beautiful music season after season. We invite you to join us at First United Methodist of Glen Ellyn, as together we explore the mystery of time, search for a place of belonging, and hope for a future of peace—A Time and Place for Us.
Yours in harmony,
Jennifer Whiting
Music Director, Glen Ellyn–Wheaton Chorale
A Time and Place for Us
Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 10 at 3 p.m.
First UMC Glen Ellyn
424 Forest Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Ticket information available on our home page.