Established in 1979, Chicago Master Singers (CMS) is an auditioned chorus of 100 volunteer singers from Chicago and suburban communities. The ensemble’s repertoire includes great choral works and new works by living composers. CMS performs unaccompanied, and also collaborates with professional instrumentalists and soloists. The chorus has international acclaim, having toured extensively throughout Europe for the past 30 years.
Our History
Chicago Master Singers (CMS), an Illinois not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1979 as The New Oratorio Singers. Under the guidance of founding director Thomas Wikman, the ensemble's goal was to perform great choral/orchestral repertoire for audiences in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Over the years, CMS refined and expanded its artistic mission to include the presentation of choral works at the highest artistic level for the cultural enrichment of its members and the communities it serves. From 1989 to 2020, the chorus was under the artistic direction of Alan Heatherington. John C. Hughes became the ensemble's third Music Director in July 2020.
If you are passionate about choral music and looking for a challenging, satisfying choral experience, we would love to hear from you!
CMS members live in many communities throughout the Chicago area. For some, music is their vocation as professional singers, teachers, and choir directors; for others, it is their avocation, a way to enrich their lives through music. But it’s the personal connections and musical excellence that provide continued inspiration for both our singers and our audiences!
Additional Info for Choristers
CMS presents concerts in October, December, February, and May. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at Countryside Church in Palatine, IL from 7-10pm from mid-August through May. Singers also have the opportunity to participate in outreach activities during the season and overseas performance tours during the summer.
Chicago Master Singers' vision is to grow a culture of inclusive, intergenerational ensemble singing through extraordinary musical experiences that lift the human spirit.
