CBA Ode to Joy

that: “There have been many times when I went to a Wednesday night rehearsal feeling tired and thinking that I would rather go home, but then feeling completely re-invigorated by the time the rehearsal has ended.” Inviting clients, friends, and referring attorneys to concerts as his guests has provided promotional opportunities for his law practice, and created more human connections among his guests through sharing musical experiences. When asked why they continue to participate in the Chorus, both Terry and Mark cite the friendships they have made through the Chorus, and the chance to sing a wide repertoire of music in an ensemble made up of fun, talented, and interesting people. Where else can a bunch of lawyers go to exercise a whole different set of skills, express their inner joy, and be applauded for their artistic contribution to the fabric of Chicago culture? Relative newcomer and bass SeanHoffman is concluding his second season with the Chorus. He joined because he missed singing regularly and wanted to meet other lawyers similarly inclined. He recently met his current employer at a dinner hosted by a chorus member. Ruth Kaufman, an alto and original member, loves choral singing and “was thrilled when I heard about the formation of the Chorus to sing Beethoven’s 9th with the CBASO. I’d sung it in law school with the Syracuse Oratorio Society and the Syracuse Symphony conducted by the late Christopher Keene. Becky’s enthusiastic preparation of the chorus, meeting the other singers, and performing with the CBASO to a standing room only crowd in Navy Pier’s ballroom made for a wonderful experience, and I was glad when the powers that be decided to keep the Chorus going.” Working with this wonderful group has been one of the best experiences of recent years,” says Barbra Goering, alto. “I love the challenge to focus and be present to the music every week, no matter what has happened during the day. As a retiree, I love having the opportunity to create and present a music program with like minded people. We have the collegiality of work – and our end product is joy and happiness!” Alto Leslie Wilson joined the Chorus because “I love to sing and knew some members. Those members are no longer in the Chorus! Guess I am a leftover? As an outsider to the legal community, I have been delighted to interact with lawyers and judges beyond “official” roles. Making music together is a binding, collaborative activity. I never expected to find myself in such company blending our voices to create a single effect all the while making new friends.” Rev. Daniel Buck, a tenor and original member, echoes these comments. “I’ve been singing in choruses continually since high school. At the time I joined the Chorus for its first concert, I was also part of two other choirs or choruses, both of which have since ceased functioning. I was recruited for the Chorus by a (lawyer) singer I knew who said the Chorus could use another tenor (a chronic condition for many choruses). I was especially attracted to the Chorus’s rehearsal time since it allows me to get back to my home in the far north suburbs by 10:30 pm. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed singing with the Chorus under the delightful leadership of Becky and now Stephen. It’s enabled me to return to the stage of Symphony Center (where I last sang in the 1960’s) and to appear in several other wonderful venues, including, of course, St. James Cathedral. In a sense, I’ve come full circle from the time I was a high school singer in Holy Name Cathedral, just up the street from St. James. Because of my background, I’m especially drawn to the sacred music we have performed, but I have appreciated the vast majority of the works which have been programmed over the years. Happy anniversary to this wonderful organization which brings such satisfaction to my life!”

“I was introduced to the Chorus by soprano Ann Shih-Hoellwarth,” recalls Holly McGuire. “They were in need of a few more female tenors. And since I have a low voice I was in. I never thought I would have a solo my first

CBA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS 59