Celebrating our 50th season

Consonance – Chicago Choral Artists has been a leader of choral music in Chicagoland for fifty years. Together we sing new compositions by contemporary composers and classical masterworks of the choral canon.

Explore Our Upcoming Concerts

20 & 22 March 2026

Here I Am

In this powerful multimedia symphony, Jocelyn Hagen honors the voices and stories of women from across time and culture. Featuring choir, orchestra, and striking portraiture projected live, Here I Am celebrates the centennial of the 19th Amend- ment and the ongoing fight for equality. We are joined by soprano Laura Strickling and Spirito Singers, conducted by Carling FitzSimmons.

Past Concerts 

Dec 2024 & Dec 2025

A Christmas Carol

With imaginative arrangements of traditional carols and vibrant original music by Benedict Sheehan, this performance promises to bring the festive spirit to life and present an engaging musical dramatization of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale.

01 & 03 Nov 2024

Requiem

In the fall, we embark on a profound journey with Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece, the Verdi Requiem, in a fresh chamber orchestra version. This timeless work, composed in memory of the poet Alessandro Manzoni, is a tour de force of choral depth and expressive power.

29 & 30 Mar 2025

Mass in B Minor

Partnering with the Bach Canata Vespers Chorus, we pay homage to the master of Baroque music with J.S. Bach’s transcendent Mass in B Minor. Regarded as one of the supreme achievements of choral music, it is a monumental work of unparalleled beauty and complexity.

30 May & 01 June 2025

We Look to the Stars

We are thrilled to announce that our season will culminate with Juhi Bansal’s “We Look to the Stars.” This cantata for SATB chorus, percussion, harp, and vocal soloists celebrates the wonders of the night sky. The concert will also feature additional works by Marybeth Kurnat and Dan Forrest.

03 & 05 Oct 2025

Sacrificial Love: Human and Divine

From Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir to music for solo cello and choir, the entire program is one of introspection, giving listeners and singers alike the opportunity to meditate on words of sacrifice, of mercy, of love. We will be joined by cellist Jean Hatmaker.

Our Story

Consonance is a word that defines different components or people standing in harmony with one another, a perfect way to describe a choir comprised of people with different backgrounds who join as one to create beautiful music.

Consonance has been a leader of choral music in Chicagoland since 1975. With a unified vision we perform the music our audience craves.

Our Director

An accomplished musician, composer, and conductor, Michael Costello has been skillfully leading Consonance for 10 years.

Our Mission

We believe that choral music should be enjoyed by all people and encourage and embrace our collective differences.

Connect With Us

Explore the latest news from our ensemble and stay connected with our musicians, leadership team, and patrons.

"Consonance has emerged to be one of Chicagoland's finest vocal ensembles. The skillful integrity of their warm choral sound is ideal for their unique programming that explores not only the historical spectrum of repertoire from current composers to those of centuries past, but also the essence and relevance of that music for us now."

 

– Karen Brunssen

"Superb voices expertly directed by the hugely gifted Michael Costello, Consonance is one of Chicago’s most exciting musical groups. Truly versatile, inspiring, and spirited."

 

Jill Baumgaertner

"Polished elegance. . . atmospheric performance. . . (they) stand out from the crowd."

 

– Lawrence Johnson, Chicago Tribune

 

"We support Consonance with both our attendance and our dollars. Beautiful music nourishes our souls, tells our stories, builds our communities. In these days it is more needed than ever."

 

David and Sandy Lentz

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