Inspired Singers
Moving Music
Upcoming Performances
August 30, 2025 – An American Civil War Memorial – An oratorio composed by Dr. Michael James Karasis
- 3:00PM – Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, Elmhurst
December 6, 2025 – Handel’s Messiah
- 7:00PM – Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Schaumburg
December 14, 2025 – Handel’s Messiah
- 3:00PM – Hammerschmidt Chapel, Elmhurst University
May 30, 2026 – Carmina Burana
- Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
Bring the Joy of Live Caroling to Your Winter Event!
Looking to add a musical touch to your holiday gathering? Our Chamber Singers are now accepting requests for caroling performances at winter events throughout the season.
Whether you’re planning a community festival, corporate celebration, private party, or tree lighting ceremony, our talented vocalists bring warmth and charm with a repertoire of beloved holiday classics and choral favorites. Performances can be tailored to suit a variety of settings—from intimate indoor venues to festive outdoor markets.
Interested in booking the Elmhurst Choral Union Chamber Singers?
Please fill out our request form and we will get back to you with information on dates, repertoire, and pricing. Early inquiries are encouraged, as dates fill quickly!
Let us help make your winter event unforgettable!
About Us
Elmhurst Choral Union is an auditioned volunteer chorus, singing with a professional orchestra and soloists, performing classical masterworks and great choral music of all eras. We are located in Elmhurst, IL, a western suburb of Chicago.
Elmhurst Choral Union is a member of the following organizations:
To view Elmhurst Choral Union’s Nondiscrimination & Accessibility and Anti-Harassment Policies, please click here.
Concert Video Clips
Brahms: A German Requiem performed on April 26, 2024
Video recording copyright Elmhurst Choral Union, 2024. Used with permission. Recorded by ElmhurstTV.
Our Next Performance
An American Civil War Memorial – An Oratorio by Dr. Michael James Karasis
In recognition of the 160th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War, the
Elmhurst Choral Union is proud to perform An American Civil War Memorial, an oratorio composed by Dr. Michael James Karasis under the musical direction of Scott Uddenberg. This work commemorates an important time in American history.
The piece will be narrated by Wesley Truman Daniel, great-grandson of President Harry S. Truman, and will feature four soloists, a professional orchestra, and a projection of various paintings, drawings, and photographs depicting perspectives from both sides of the conflict. It is sure to be a memorable experience.
Dr. Karasis is an Illinois-based composer and violinist with an extensive musical resume. His compositions range from large-scale works—classical symphonies, concerti for stringed instruments and piano, and oratorios—to string quartets, sonatas, and chamber pieces.
Some Kind Words
“Mastery of music, voice & presentation”
“Large works provide the musicians and the audiences with a sonic understanding and wisdom allied to beauty, relationships, and proportion that nothing else provides in quite the same way. Pieces from other times and places provide ‘living’ (music is live as no other art or artifact) insights into and learning about our sisters and brothers elsewhere.”
“Excellent choir sound. Great diction and balance. Soloists were also excellent.” “Delightful music, great choir, excellent soloists.”
“Soloists + chorus + orchestra = Fantastic!”
“This is the best way to begin the Christmas season!!!”
“Such a big and sophisticated sound from a volunteer group in a suburban community is very impressive, indeed.”
“I have sung elsewhere, and there is no place like ECU.”
“In Elmhurst! And it’s always great!”
“We are fortunate to live in a community in which such an organization brings together diverse musical amateurs who, under the baton of a talented director, can realize some of the world’s greatest music. Anyone who has had anything to do with an arts organization knows that such longevity doesn’t happen by accident.”
“Outstanding professional quality of the singers and musicians”
“A treat to the ears and spirit”
“Joining ECU has been one of the most important and rewarding parts of my life. Singing, as well as being a volunteer and a board member, has made me appreciate how much it takes to have a successful chorus, to have an excellent director, and especially lucky to be a part of ECU.”
