Philip J. Bauman, new music director of the 100-voice South Holland Master Chorale, invites the public to two choral performances in October.
Bauman, of South Bend, Ind., comes to the group with years of experience. In addition to his new role with South Holland Master Chorale, Bauman also serves as administrator of South Bend Symphony Orchestra and music director of Michigan City Messiah.
He previously served roles with Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, including as orchestra manager and as conductor of its Youth Orchestra. He was music director of LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra for more than 20 years.
Bauman has announced a series of concerts for the Chorale’s upcoming season beginning with “Songs of Celebration.” This concert will explore the many occasions that are celebrated with song, from coronations and weddings to songs celebrating patriotism, biblical leaders, simple living and the African-American experience.
The ”Songs of Celebration” concert will be performed Oct. 2, at 4 p.m., at First Reformed Church, 15924 South Park Avenue, South Holland, and Oct. 16, at 4 p.m., at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, Ind.
“The chorale is excited about the rich history Philip Bauman has with choruses and choral ensembles,” said Melodee Leimnetzer, president of the chorale’s board of directors. Bauman has been working with Chicago Opera Theater, Downers Grove Oratorio Society, The Opera Factory, Light Opera Works, Boise Opera, Starlight Theater and da Corneto Opera.
Bauman succeeds Albert M. Jackson who retired this year after 23 years as music director of South Holland Master Chorale. The community choral group, originally affiliated with South Suburban College, has been sponsored by the village of South Holland since 2016.
Leimnetzer said the chorale board was “pleased to be able to replace our longtime director with such a capable and experienced musician as Mr. Bauman. We are excited about the upcoming musical season under his leadership.”
In stepping into his new role, Bauman said, “As a passionate lover of the voice and choral singing, I’m eager to build on the legacy and the rich traditions of South Holland Master Chorale and bring a new perspective to the excellent ensemble so carefully and lovingly built by Al Jackson.”
Membership in the chorale is open without audition to anyone interested in performing great choral works. The group rehearses at 7 p.m. Mondays at Sts. Joseph, Anne and Emeric Church, 17951 Dixie Highway in Homewood. Following current CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, singers are required to be masked during rehearsals and performances.
Additional concerts will take place in November and in May 2023. Admission to all chorale performances is free; free-will donations are accepted.
For more information about South Holland Master Chorale and future concert dates, visit the website at www.southhollandmasterchorale.org, send email to [email protected], or phone 708-210-2913.