Glen-Ellyn Wheaton Chorale begins fifth decade with annual spring concert

“Awesome.” “Exquisite.” “We went away singing!” These are among the many audience accolades regularly received by Glen-Ellyn Wheaton Chorale, which will be presenting its annual spring concert Mother’s Day weekend.

This beloved 60-voice choir has been performing in the western suburbs for over 40 years and is known for its mix of audience-pleasing song selections and musical excellence.

This year’s event, titled “A Time and Place for Us,” will include selections from Bernstein’s timeless “West Side Story,” along with works by Bob Dylan, Paul John Rudoi and Thad Fiscella, Blake Morgan, Ola Gjeilo, Dan Forrest, and Mack Wilberg.

Conducted by musical director Jennifer Whiting, the choir also will perform a new piece “Hymn to Time” by local composer Lee Kesselman.

The concert theme of “time and place” is a fitting nod to the choir’s recent journey to find new locations for rehearsing and performing. This auditioned choir has members from across the area, so after losing their long-standing Wheaton venue, they researched 55 suburban sites, finally landing on locations in Glen Ellyn and Elmhurst.

Interestingly, the Glen Ellyn Main Street Recreation Center — their new rehearsal home — was the site of group’s very first rehearsal space in 1985, directed by founding member Dr. Ramona Wis.

The concert will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Glen Ellyn, recognized for its acoustic excellence. Located in downtown Glen Ellyn, it’s convenient to many local restaurants for those wanting to extend their outing or celebrate a mom they bring along.

Tickets for “A Time and Place for Us,” a musical celebration of home, belonging, and peace, can be purchased online at gewchorale.org. If tickets do not sell out online, they will also be available for purchase at the door.) The First United Methodist Church is at 424 Forest Ave., one block south of the Glen Ellyn train station.