Apollo Chorus
Founded in 1872, just after the Chicago Fire, the Apollo Chorus of Chicago is one of the oldest auditioned volunteer choral societies in the United States, and the oldest musical organization in Chicago. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Stephen Alltop, the Chorus regularly presents choral masterworks in illustrious Chicago venues such as Symphony Center and the Harris Theater. The 2022-23 season, the 100th anniversary for the Apollo Chorus, included Bach's St. John Passion, the Chicago premiere of Stacy Garrop’s oratorio, Terra Nostra, and a performance of contemporary choral music for the American Choral Director’s Association. Recent collaborations have included Rachmninoff's Aleko, Joby Talbot's Everest and Karol Szymanowski’s King Roger with Chicago Opera Theater. One of the most active presenters of contemporary choral music in the Midwest, the Apollo Chorus has collaborated with many prominent composers, including Jeff Beal, Jeremy Beck, Flannery Cunningham, Eleanor Daley, Stacy Garrop, Stephen Paulus, Tanyaradzwa Tawengwa, and Eric Whitacre. Highlights from 2025-26 include The Consolation of Apollo by Kile Smith and Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.
Chorus membership includes people from many professions united by a love of choral music and dedication to excellence. In addition to six appearances at the Peninsula Music Festival in Door County, WI, the Apollo Chorus has collaborated with outstanding artists and organizations, including the Oprah Winfrey Show, Josh Groban on Tour, Chicago Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and Louis the Child at Lollapalooza. Since 2002, the Chorus has appeared on many occasions with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival. Recent performances with the CSO have included Mozart’s operas La Clemenza di Tito in 2022 and The Magic Flute in 2023, and Holst’s The Planet’s in 2024.
The Apollo Chorus released Handel’s Messiah on the Clarion label. Dedicated to reflecting the richness of diverse cultures, recent programs have included works from Latin America, Estonia, Georgia, Africa, Ireland, and many other countries, and such styles as Gospel, Jazz, Samba, Broadway. and film music.
