The Spring 2025 concert from Bloomington Chamber Singers, Music of Hope in Uncertain Times, is a captivating offering, juxtaposing Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis (Mass in Troubled Times), also known as The Lord Nelson Mass, with To the Hands by Caroline Shaw, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer.

Though written over 200 years apart, both works vividly bring to life the uncertainty, fear, and loss of timeless challenges—the threat of war in Haydn’s case, and the plight of refugees in Shaw’s—revealing a commonality of the human condition through the centuries. Despite the harrowing opening and recurrent war-like trumpet fanfares Haydn composes throughout work, he always responds with optimism, ending with a confident “Dona nobis pacem.” Shaw sets a text she assembled, which ranges from Latin set by 18th century composer Dietrich Buxtehude to lines by Emma Lazarus, evoking the 18th century and the immigration of the mid-20th century. Her music ultimately responds to the plight of the refugee with compassion— “we will be your refuge” and “ever will I hold you.”

BCS will be partnering with the local office of Exodus Refugee Immigration, and at the concert, we will be collecting donations of new personal items such as shampoo, hand soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, razors, toilet tissue, and sanitary napkins. Exodus arranges for housing, food and clothing, and case management, as well as education, employment training, health services, and more. Their primary goal is to provide clients with the tools and information they need to be successful in their new lives.

This Spring’s performance is under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Betsy Burleigh.

Bloomington Chamber Singers is excited to continue their tradition of the community Messiah Sing-Along. This much-anticipated event is free and open to the public. Bring your copy of Handel’s Messiah (a limited number of loaner copies will be available) and sing side-by-side with The Bloomington Chamber Singers. The performance will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Just want to listen? Come along and enjoy Part One of Messiah with the addition of “The Hallelujah Chorus” as a wonderful way to usher in the holiday season.

Bloomington Chamber Singers is teaming up with Hoosier Hills Food Bank as a donation site for this concert. The chorus will be accepting donations of nonperishable food items to help support the mission of the food bank. The sing-along will be under the direction of guest conductor Betsy Burleigh. You are invited to lift your voice and join together with The Bloomington Chamber Singers to create this truly awe-inspiring holiday performance.

Lux: A Concert Exploring the Wonder of Light is the next presentation of the Bloomington Chamber Singers for the 2023-24 season. Lux or light conjures diverse visions. Running the gamut from Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna (eternal light) to Dolly Parton’s Light of a Clear Blue Morning (hopeful light), the vocal images of light will weave together to provide the listener a variety of aural delight. Visions of summer fireflies (Julia Klatt Singer’s soft blink of amber light) and a Renaissance homage to Christ, the eternal light, (Thomas Tallis’ O nata lux de lumine) provide a range of musical styles that will delight patrons both young and old. Light, ancient and modern, merges with music, ancient and modern, to bring a new sense of wonder and energy to all who hear.

Music Director Gerald Sousa will conduct the 40-voice BCS chorus and the accompanying chamber orchestra. The concert will be presented at Christ Community Church, 503 S. High St., Bloomington on Saturday April 27th at 7:30 pm. In-person tickets are available either through pre-sale or at the door. Both in-person and live-stream options are available. General admission, adult tickets as well as the live-stream option are $30. Student tickets are also offered at $20.

Bloomington Chamber Singers is excited to continue its Messiah sing-along tradition. This FREE event draws hundreds of area singers (and listeners) who come together to sing Parts Two and Three of Handel’s beloved oratorio, Messiah. The singers and orchestra will be led by BCS Artistic Director Dr. Gerald Sousa.

Messiah is well loved not just as sacred music, but for its challenging choruses and beautiful solos. Attendees are welcome to sing along regardless of skill level, or simply listen to the choruses, and enjoy recitatives and arias performed by members of the Bloomington Chamber Singers.

Admission is free. BCS invites attendees to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to a local food pantry. A limited number of scores will be available to borrow, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own.

Bloomington Chamber Singers will take the stage of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church to perform Johannes Brahms’ beautiful Liebeslieder and Neue Liebeslieder, helping to set the mood for the upcoming Valentine’s Day Holiday. The Liebeslieder Waltzes are a collection of love songs in Ländler style for voices and piano four hands. The lyrics for the Liebeslieder come from Georg Friedrich Daumier’s Polydora, a collection of folk songs and love poems. The waltzes consist of two opus numbers: Op. 52 (Liebeslieder) and Op. 65 (Neue Liebeslieder).  The design of the pieces is for them to be light, unpretentious, and provide the listener with a musical delight of a few of the many aspects of love.

The concert, conducted by assistant conductor, Caio Guimarães, will be presented at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 100 N. State Rd. 46, Bloomington. The concert will begin at 7:30 pm.

Bloomington Chamber Singers is delighted to resume its annual Christmas Messiah sing-along. This FREE Bloomington holiday tradition draws hundreds of area singers (and listeners) who come together to sing Part One and the “Hallelujah Chorus” of Handel’s beloved oratorio, Messiah. The singers and orchestra will be led by BCS Artistic Director Dr. Gerald Sousa.

Messiah is well loved not just as sacred music, but for its challenging choruses and beautiful solos. Singers of all levels and backgrounds come together each year for this wintertime tradition. Beyond the “Hallelujah Chorus,” beloved movements include “Comfort Ye, My People,” “And He Shall Purify,” “Glory to God,” and many more. Attendees are welcome to sing along or simply listen to the choruses and arias, and enjoy recitatives performed by members of the Bloomington Chamber Singers. A livestream of the event will be available. A link will be added to our home page when it becomes available.

Admission is free. BCS invites attendees to bring a nonperishable food item for donation to a local food pantry. A limited number of scores will be available to borrow, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own.

Bloomington Chamber Singers will open their 54 th season with an evening of Bach and Vivaldi, featuring the full chorus, an orchestra, and a variety of soloists to bring these exquisite compositions to life. This powerful and moving concert will be presented Sunday, October 22, 2023, in the sanctuary of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 7:30 pm.

The concert will open with Bach’s Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243. A masterful example of Baroque music, it is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, rich harmonies, and expressive choral writing. The work consists of twelve movements, each varying in mood and musical texture.

Rounding out the evening will be Vivaldi’s Gloria in D Major, RV 589. With its roots in the Catholic Mass, the overarching theme of the Gloria is one of exultation and praise. The piece expresses reverence and adoration for God through music, capturing the spirit of devotion and celebration. It has remained a beloved work in the choral and classical music repertoire, cherished for its beauty and expressive power.

General Admission: $25

Student Admission: $20

Livestream: $25