Grande Prairie Singers, which features members from the Southland and Northwest Indiana, open their 2015-16 season with “Winterlude.”
Set for Dec. 13 at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church in Matteson, the family-friendly holiday concert includes 15th century English carols, a seldom-performed Johann Sebastian Bach cantata, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and Hanukkah songs.
“I always look for some of the best music that’s been written for the holidays and some of the most meaningful,” said Jo Rodenburg, artistic director of Grande Prairie Singers.
“We always like to start with older works, 1600s to 1700s. Then we go to more pop things toward the end of the concert. Our audience is very unique in that they don’t demand one type of music or another. The Christmas concert is always the biggest concert we do.”
The 50-voice Grande Prairie Singers will be joined at “Winterlude” by Grande Prairie Children’s Choir, directed by Oksana Rodak, one of Grande Prairie Choral Arts’ two children’s choirs.
“They are hopefully the picture of the future for all choral singing because they are very dedicated,” said Rodenburg, of Frankfort.
“They will be featured in three songs on the concert, two of their own and one with us. Music in schools is not what it used to be. If we can help kids foster a love of vocal music and song, those are kids that are less likely to get in trouble.”
Grande Prairie Singers’ season also includes “Vive la France” on March 13 at Flossmoor Community Church.
“That one is based on French music,” said Rodenburg, noting the program includes “Requiem” by Maurice Durufle.
“We pair things together that aren’t necessarily meant to be together. I try to also pick music that is in the pop genre that has a lot of meaning, beauty and fun.”
The informal “Grande Prairie Cabaret” on May 15 at Freedom Hall in Park Forest will wrap Grande Prairie Singers 2015-16 season.
“This cabaret is going to be about the seasons of love,” said Rodenburg, whose husband, Tom, has been with the Grande Prairie Singers since they were known as the Park Forest Singers.
“It will encompass music coming from all different kinds of genres. It’s a true cabaret where you tell stories and actors do dialogue. It’s going to be absolutely beautiful. Anybody could walk in off the street and find that to be poignant, touching and fun.”
Grande Prairie Singers’ 38th season also includes performing at Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s “A Very Merry Holiday Spectacular” on Dec. 19 at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center in Frankfort.
“Any audience going to the IPO, those are our people too,” Rodenburg said. “We should be cross-pollinating like that. It’s a happy thing for both organizations.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Grande Prairie Singers
When: 4 p.m. Dec. 13
Where: St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church, 4101 St. Lawrence Ave., Matteson
Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door; $10 for students with identification; $40 for season subscription of three concerts
Information: 708-481-8684 or grandeprairiechoral.org
Etc.: concert is titled “Winterlude”
