Arthur Silhan discovered his voice as a young boy singing in his church’s choir. He sang in his high school’s choir and, as an adult, became the founder and director of the community choral group, Musichorale. Mr. Silhan, 79, of Chicago, a retired Chicago schoolteacher and former tenor with the Lyric Opera Chorus, died of heart disease, Monday, Aug. 16, in Evergreen Park Rehabilitation Center. While a student at Chicago Teachers College, Mr. Silhan founded the choral group as a venue for his former fellow choir members from Lindblom High School to continue to sing together. Originally named the Lindblom Alumni Acappella Choir, in 1947 it became the Chicago Choral Club, and then in 1958, Musichorale. The group rehearsed at Ogden Park and later at Marquette Park before buying a building at 5649 W. 63rd St. for rehearsals It sold the building about five years ago and now rehearses out of rented space in Oak Lawn. The group began with 25 adult members and now has 60. The group also had children choirs. In 1949, Mr. Silhan married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Ballin, a pianist who for many years accompanied the choir. With three pianos and concert harp in their home, the couple passed on their love of music to their children. In 1980, Mr. Silhan’s eldest son took over as director of the choir. After graduating from college in 1947, Mr. Silhan became a teacher and worked mostly in 8th grade, predominantly at Hale and McKay Schools. He retired in 1991. “He loved to be with kids,” said his wife. For decades, Mr. Silhan delivered Christmas baskets to the needy. Other survivors include two sons, Jeffrey and Marc; two daughters, Cynthia Gansel and Shane Smith; and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10:20 a.m. Saturday in Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 18645 Dixie Highway, Homewood.
