St. John Brebeuf Music Ministry kicks off for 2018-2019

The Niles Metropolitan Chorus, a community choir with members from all faiths and walks of life, welcomes new members for its sixth season in 2018-19.

Marek Rachelski, artistic director and conductor of the ensemble, has issued an open invitation to people in the community to become members of this dynamic group. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the St. John Brebeuf Church in Niles. For more information, contact Rachelski at 702-806-8421 or email newmu@hotmail.com.

This year’s concert series at St. John Brebeuf kicks off when the Jazz Consortium Big Band will provide music for SJB’s 65th Anniversary Dinner Dance, Saturday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m. Free dance lessons will be offered. Tickets are $65 per person. For reservations, call 847-866-8145.

Sponsored in part by Relevant Radio and the Niles Metropolitan Chorus, the nine-concert 2018-19 series continues Sunday, Oct. 21, at 3 p.m. when the Musica Lumina Orchestra presents Retreat to France and Debussy’s World; Sunday, Nov. 18, at 3 p.m. when the Niles Metropolitan Chorus and the Musica Lumina Orchestra present Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 2 - Hymn of Praise; and Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. when the Niles Metropolitan Chorus and the Musica Lumina Orchestra present the sixth annual DIY Handel’s Messiah.

In 2019, the schedule includes Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. when the Music Lumina Orchestra will present Brass Spectacular; Sunday, Feb. 17; when the Musica Lumina will present Opera Arias for Your Love; Sunday, March 31, at 3 p.m. when the Niles Metropolitan Chorus and the Musica Lumina Orchestra will present Bach: St. Matthew Passion BWV 244; Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m. when the Apollo Chorus of Chicago will present a Pops Concert featuring contemporary singers and musical groups; Sunday, May 19, at 3 p.m. when the Musica Lumina Orchestra will present a family concert for all ages; and Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m. when the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Niles Metropolitan Chorus and De Paul Community Chorus will present Ode to Joy.

Most concerts have free-will donations; some have an admission charge. For information, call 847-966-8145 or visit www.sjbrebeuf.org or www.nilesmetropolitanchorus.com.