History

In the video above, the Elmhurst Choral Union is performing the iconic portion of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra.

Elmhurst Choral Union has been singing since 1952.

Originally established as a student and faculty ensemble at Elmhurst University (then known as Elmhurst College), in 1961 ECU expanded to include singers from the community when we merged with a pre-existing choir run by Elmhurst Park District.

Elmhurst Choral Union continues to welcome skilled singers of all ages.

Our repertoire has always encompassed the standards of the choral-orchestral repertoire while also highlighting rare works by a wide variety of composers. We have performed recent compositions in every decade of our history.

ECU has collaborated with several local ensembles over the years, including Illinois Philharmonic, Elmhurst Symphony, Spirito! Singers, Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra, and DuPage Symphony.

Elmhurst Choral Union became an auditioned ensemble in 1998. In 2001, ECU incorporated as a not-for-profit.

Our annual Medley of Melodies concert was created for our singers to shine in solos and small ensembles. Medley of Melodies takes free-will donations, making the music accessible to everyone.

In 2016, we launched Elmhurst Choral Union Chamber Singers, a smaller ensemble to spread music throughout the community. Other community initiatives include participation in the Elmhurst Garden Faire and concert-connected food drives for Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry.

In 2016, Scott Uddenberg became the fifth conductor in Elmhurst Choral Union history.

Microwave Masterpieces, our summertime “instant choir” event, began in 2018.  Adventurous singers are welcomed to join us for a single afternoon rehearsal, followed by a performance.