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Immanuel's music program is rich and diverse, offering individual congregants numerous opportunities to serve God and the church with their talent and love of music. The Adult Choir is made up entirely of amateur singers who consistently provide the congregation with a high level of musical leadership, whether it is through singing the hymns, the liturgy, or special music. The range of the Adult Choir's repertory extends from Gregorian chant to the motets of Palestrina and Hassler, cantatas of J.S. Bach, hymn concertatos by Richard Hillert and Carl Schalk, and music commissioned for and by the people of Immanuel. Most recently Immanuel commissioned local Chicago Lutheran composer Paul Nicholson to compose a cantata for Reformation Day, 2004. This cantata and first performance were made possible through a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
The Adult Choir is conducted by Cantor Elizabeth Magill.
Immanuel's Youth Choir likewise has a wide repertory that includes arias by Bach and Vivaldi, songs by Benjamin Britten, African-American spirituals, contemporary and diverse settings of the liturgy, and anthems by living composers such as Carl Schalk, David Cherwien, and Larry Long. The Youth Choir also frequently joins the Adult Choir in singing larger works for worship, such as Bach cantatas and the Nicholson cantata. The Youth Choir is conducted by Elizabeth Magill.
Membership in either choir is open to all who can sing, who enjoy singing the liturgy, and who can commit to regular weekly rehearsals and Sunday morning worship services. The Adult Choir rehearses every Wednesday, September through June, from 7:30 to 9:00. The Youth Choir rehearses every Wednesday, also September through June, from 6:30 to 7:30.
Greg Hummel, Immanuel's long-time organist, provides musical leadership to the congregation in the playing of hymns and the liturgy. In addition, Greg offers for worship many of the major organ works by the masters of the German, as well as French, Baroque - music eminently suited to Immanuel's splendid tracker organ. Laurie Stivers, Associate Organist, leads the congregation musically during worship during Greg's absences and also accompanies both the Adult and Youth Choirs. Laurie's repertory includes music from the Baroque as well but also frequently includes music by eminent living Lutheran composers.
Immanuel's Music Outreach Endowment Fund provides a scholarship, called the Immanuel Organ Award, to a promising young organ student currently enrolled in a degree program and who wishes to work for the Church upon graduation. Candidates for the award must first apply by sending their résumé and references to the church office and, if approved, must audition before a committee made up of the church's musical staff and respected local professional musicians.
If you would like more information about Immanuel's music program please contact the church office.
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