Caroling at Cloud Gate

Celebrate the holidays in Millennium Park, when Caroling at Cloud Gate returns on Friday evenings from November 25 through December 16, 2011 at 6 PM during the holiday season. This free program, presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, showcases Chicago choral groups and invites visitors to participate in a holiday sing-along. 

Now in its sixth season, Caroling at Cloud Gate has become a cherished tradition in Chicago, with hundreds of singers gathering each week in the Park. Complimentary warm beverages will be provided by Caribou Coffee. Following the 50-minute caroling session, everyone is encouraged to skate at Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, one of the most popular winter destinations in the city. 

This season, the caroling will be lead by the Chicago Chamber Choir on November 25, the Apollo Chorus of Chicago on December 2, the Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria on December 9 and the Wicker Park Choral Singers on December 16. Complimentary warm beverages will be provided by Caribou Coffee.

“Each Friday night, hundreds of singers gather for a magical evening of music right in the heart of downtown Chicago in Millennium Park,” said Michelle T. Boone, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “This cherished tradition is a perfect start to the weekend before heading off to the neighborhoods with family and friends.” 

Friday, November 25
Chicago Chamber Choir
Founded in 1996, the Chicago Chamber Choir is a skilled choral ensemble of 40 voices. The choir's mission is to promote the joy of choral music in its community by offering seasonal concerts and charitable performances that educate and entertain children and adults in the Chicagoland area. The choir's repertoire is culturally diverse and international in scope, and the group actively seeks performance venues that bring music to individuals who are often overlooked by the performing arts community. The philosophy that music should be available to everyone continues to be an integral part of the Chicago Chamber Choir's mission. Tonight's performance is conducted by Timm Adams, Artistic Director. For more information, visit chicagochamberchoir.org.

Friday, December 2
Apollo Chorus of Chicago
When the Apollo Chorus of Chicago sings, great choral works come alive! Celebrating their 140th Season, this powerful 125-voice chorus is one of the city’s most exciting and talked-about musical organizations. Each season, Apollo thrills audiences with beautiful music old and new, winning praise for its performances – especially for Handel’s Messiah, a holiday tradition since 1879. The Apollo Chorus performs a wide range of masterworks for chorus and orchestra (including Mozart's Requiem this season) and is under the musical direction of Stephen Alltop. For more information, visit apollochorus.org.

Friday, December 9
Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria
Windy City Performing Arts (WCPA) is the independent not-for-profit umbrella organization for Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria, its flagship choruses that perform musical styles from classical to pop. Incorporated in 1983, WCPA prides itself on musical excellence. The choruses have a history of performing major choral works, including special commissioned pieces. Members of Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria have performed with Chicago's Steppenwolf and Redmoon Theatre companies, participated in the opening ceremonies of the new modern wing of the Art Institute, and performed at New York City's Carnegie Hall as part of the Susan G. Komen "Sing for the Cure" project. Windy City Performing Arts is a proud member of GALA Choruses: the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, the American Choral Directors Association, and an affiliate member of Chorus America. For more information, visit windycitysings.org.

Friday, December 16
Wicker Park Choral Singers
Wicker Park Choral Singers (WPCS) has quickly grown from a grassroots effort in the spring of 2008 to an established performing arts ensemble in the Chicagoland area. Its approximately 40 members are passionate about making world-class choral music accessible to the community, and are committed to producing concerts that are free and open to the public. With repertoire ranging from Renaissance motets to contemporary works of today's foremost composers, WPCS aims to provide something to excite and engage each and every audience member. For more information, visit wickerparksings.org.