Chicago a cappella

Chicago a cappella is a creative enterprise devoted to advancing the art and appreciation of ensemble singing. Founded by Jonathan Miller in 1993, the ensemble is comprised of some of the Chicago area’s most accomplished professional singers. Long recognized for vocal virtuosity and innovative programming, the group enjoys a reputation as a leader in the choral field. Through Chicago-area concerts, guest appearances locally and on tour, CD recordings, broadcast appearances, and educational and community outreach programming, Chicago a cappella moves hearts and spirits with a fun, innovative approach that enriches people’s lives through music.

Chicago a cappella performs an annual concert series with performances in Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville, and Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. With over 350 concerts to its credit and appearances in 13 American states and in Mexico, the ensemble has been heard frequently on national and international radio broadcasts including Performance Today and BBC3 Radio. The group has released nine acclaimed CDs, including recordings on the Centaur, Cedille, and Gothic labels, with music ranging from Renaissance masses to contemporary works.

From its inception, Chicago a cappella has been a champion of living composers, including commissioning new music from composers such as Joseph Jennings, Chen Yi, Stacy Garrop, Rollo Dilworth, Tania León, and—in a co-commission with Chanticleer— Ezequiel Viñao. Chicago a cappella’s educational programming includes an annual Youth Choral Festival; a unique, multifaceted High School Internship Program; and ¡Cantaré! Chicago, a program that creates residencies in Chicago schools for Mexican composers, who teach students about Mexican music and culture and write new works especially for each school.