Northwestern University’s Fall Season of Choir Concerts Begins Sunday, October 27, 2024, with “A Concert of Hope”

Northwestern University’s Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music will kick off its fall season of choir concerts this Sunday, October 27, 2024, with a reflection on the gun violence crisis gripping our nation.

“A Concert for Hope” will be held at Alice Millar Chapel in Evanston to address the urgent issue of gun violence and to create space both to mourn victims and to inspire hope for a better, safer future. The program includes Stacy Garrop’s Repair the World, a piece commissioned for the one-year anniversary of the Highland Park Fourth of July mass shooting. 

“A Concert for Hope” is the first of three free choral concerts for the fall academic quarter. On November 3, 2024, the Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble returns with their annual “Evensong” performance. Experience an afternoon of contemplation and reflection featuring non-sectarian readings and beautiful choral music, including Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Francis Poulenc’s Un soir de neige  (An Evening of Snow). Both works explore finding one’s place in the world and celebrating one’s truest nature.

Rounding out the season with holiday cheer, The Alice Millar Chapel Choir, Philharmonia and Millar Brass Ensemble come together for “A Festival of Lessons and Carols” on December 8, 2024, with readings and musical pieces from the medieval to modern eras. A beloved holiday tradition, the program includes carol settings from medieval to modern for brass, strings, organ and choir by J. S. Bach, Bob Chilcott, Jonathan Dove, Cecilia McDowall, James MacMillan, Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and Will Todd.   

More information about these free events and the rest of the fall performance season is available online at concertsatbienen.org.