We’re one of the most versatile chamber choruses in the Chicago area. Founded in 2009 in Oak Park, we’ve built a strong reputation as a welcoming group of experienced singers.
Our carefully curated concert programs include challenging, eclectic, and inspiring music from the global span of choral repertoire.
We have an active roster of nearly 50 singers from Oak Park, River Forest, Chicago, and the western suburbs, reflecting a wide range of musical experience.
For more information about City Voices, check out this website.
What kind of music do you sing?
Our repertoire is wide and deep, spanning time, a variety of languages and culture, many musical genres, and crossing international boundaries.
We sing music for full chorus and small groups, a cappella and accompanied, and we’re often joined by instrumentalists.
Other musical groups sometimes perform with us, such as The Oriana Singers and the Pro Musica Youth Chorus.
Our 2024-25 season featured choral settings of psalms by Ernani Aguiar, J. S. Bach, John Bell, Leonard Bernstein, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Holst, Arvo Pärt, and Salamone Rossi. Last season also featured a survey of American music including works by William Billings, W. E. Chute, Charles Ives, Morten Lauridsen, Shawn Kirchner, Thomas Dorsey, Moses Hogan, Bobby McFerrin, and Bobby Hebb.
For more information about past concerts see our Concerts page, and listen to excerpts on our Listen page.
What does a typical concert season look like?
We typically sing 4 concerts a year—in October, December (our holiday concert), March, and April. Our April concert is with the chorus of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest.
Special singing opportunities are available most seasons, such as being part of the chorus for Andrea Bocelli’s Chicago concerts, a NieR concert, and the annual One Voice for the Arts Showcase in Oak Park.
How often do you rehearse? When and where?
We sing from late August or early September through late April or early May. On average there are 8 rehearsals plus a dress rehearsal for each concert. For special events (e.g., Bocelli), we have only 1 or 2 rehearsals.
Rehearsal dates are announced at the beginning of the season. Days of the week vary, in the evenings during the week or on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. This allows members with standing commitments on certain days of the week to participate.
We will rehearse at United Lutheran Church, 409 Greenfield Street in Oak Park.
Rehearsals generally last 3 hours with a break for fellowship and snacks.
What is expected of members?
Our goal is for all singers to participate in all concerts each season. However, members may miss a concert or two if needed.
Likewise, attendance at all rehearsals is expected but there are allowances for some absences. Practice outside of rehearsals is expected.
Annual dues are $125 and additional contributions are encouraged as members are able. Provisions can be made for singers who have difficulty paying dues.
Members are expected to lend a hand to support the operations of the chorus whether it is in the form of leadership positions, team membership, or ad hoc assistance.
What are auditions like? Where and when are they held?
Auditions for the 2025-26 season will be held in mid-July and late August 2025. All voice parts are welcome. Mid-season auditions will be held in early January 2026.
Auditions will be held at United Lutheran Church, 409 Greenfield Street in Oak Park.
Auditions include a short interview focused on choral and other musical experience, some vocal exercises, singing a song you would choose and prepare, and perhaps some sight reading. You may select your own song to sing or select from several that we can provide.
