Mission Statement
At the Elgin Master Chorale, we are committed to achieving the highest standards of excellence in choral music, enriching, and educating both our members and audiences through joyful and inspiring performances.
ADEI Statement
We believe great music comes from diverse backgrounds and experiences, uniting us all. EMC is committed to fostering inclusion by diversifying our membership, patronage, board leadership, and repertoire. We aim to reflect the world around us, ensuring our performances showcase the richness of shared humanity.
A Legacy of Excellence. Inventing a Vibrant Future.
The Elgin Master Chorale is a cultural gem in Elgin and the Fox Valley, known for thrilling and emotional performances. Our 85 adult singers, admitted by audition, are passionate about choral masterworks and fine choral repertoire.
We collaborate with esteemed performing arts groups like the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and the Maud Powell String Quartet, enhancing the community’s cultural vibrancy.
We proudly produce an annual educational concert with free matinees for young audiences, fostering a love for the arts. Join us at an Elgin Master Chorale concert to experience the power of great choral music. Discover why audiences say, "It’s my choir." Make it yours, too.
Our History
Founded in 1947 as the Elgin Choral Union by Dean Chipman, the Elgin Master Chorale began with a dream to perform Brahms’ German Requiem. This dream came true on May 7, 1948, with 192 singers from over 15 local choirs performing to a full house at the First Congregational Church of Elgin.
Incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1966, we rebranded to Elgin Master Chorale in 2014 to reflect our mission of musical excellence. As the ensemble in residence at Elgin Community College, we perform several concerts annually at the Blizzard Theatre, Hemmens Cultural Arts Center, and other Chicago-area venues. Under Maestro Andrew Lewis, our 85 volunteer singers from across the Fox Valley embody our rich history and dedication to excellence. From our roots as a union of church choirs, we have grown into the premiere vocal ensemble in the Fox Valley, committed to our mission and passionate about our future.