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