Above / Chicago a cappella’s audiences have grown ever since its founding in 1993, and the group presents a series of concerts each year in Chicago, Evanston and Oak Park as well as on stage in Wentz Concert Hall, located in the North Central College Performing and Fine Arts Center in Naperville. During challenging times when its on-stage spring schedule was canceled, Chicago a cappella reaches out with gratitude and updated plans. Here’s hoping all performances onstage at The Wentz will be return soon. Stay tuned.
Message from Matt Greenberg, Executive Director, Chicago a cappella
On behalf of everyone at Chicago a cappella – singers, directors, staff and board – I’m reaching out to touch base and let you know that we are thinking of you and hope you are safe and healthy during this trying time. Ensemble singing is about being together, and that’s the one thing we absolutely cannot do right now. Needless to say, that doesn’t feel very good.
However, I’m floored by the love and compassion surrounding us. We only need to look at the number of patrons donating back their tickets for our cancelled events to feel the outpouring of generosity from our community. And there is good news to share and things to look forward to, together.
First, I want to let you know how Chicago a cappella is responding to the current crisis.
- We have postponed “Swing, Swing, Swing,” which was scheduled for this month, until next season. We’ll present this program in April 2021. We can’t wait to share it with you next year.
- The final week of our ¡Cantaré! Chicago school residencies and the free community concert are “to be continued.” Composer Julio Morales, from Veracruz, Mexico, will return next school year to pick up where he left off with our six participating schools, and we’ll present a concert with them next spring.
- Finally, our spring Gala is moving to a free, online gathering on May 16, 2020. We’ll draw the raffle prize winner and share some special messages and appearances, including emcee Geoffrey Baer. Our tribute to Jonathan Miller will take place next spring, on May 22, 2021.
Needless to say, all this chaos is painful financially. We’re looking at losing at least 20 percent of our annual income. Still, we are compensating our singers and directors for the cancelled rehearsals and performances. These wonderful artists are the reason we exist, and it’s vital that we support them during this stressful period.
Looking forward to better times
Most importantly, we are looking forward to better times ahead! The singers are planning a special Cabaret Night fundraiser for Oct. 3, 2020, in Evanston. (Last year’s cabaret sold out, so you should get your tickets soon!) And, next season we have some great new concert venues and four exciting new concerts, including the rescheduled “Swing.”
All help makes a difference
Many of you have asked what you can do to help Chicago a cappella weather this storm, in addition to donating back your tickets. There are a handful of ways your help would make a big difference:
- Purchase raffle tickets and register for our May 16, 2020, free online event. Even though we’re not having a gala, the raffle is still happening, and your ticket purchase will help us enormously. Then tune in on May 16 to our virtual gala to see the drawing and find out if you won!
- Buy tickets now for the Oct. 3, 2020, Cabaret Night in Evanston.
- Look out for our season announcement and subscribe (or renew your subscription) as soon as possible. Ticket packages go on sale in just a few weeks. Your purchase shows faith in our future and will sustain us over the coming months.
- And of course, your donation of any size will make a huge difference as we navigate these uncharted waters.
As we persevere this isolated period, all of us at Chicago a cappella are committed to coming together again as soon as possible. We can’t wait to make music with each other, to share that music with you, and to celebrate ensemble singing – together.
For more information, including the history and vision of Chicago a cappella , visit www.chicagoacappella.org.
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