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ECU History
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May 7, 1948 performance of Brahms' A German Requiem
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Dean Chipman had a dream – to perform Brahms' A German Requiem.
That dream became reality when, in 1947, fifteen church choirs from the Elgin area joined together and formed a “union” of 192 voices.
The premier performance took place on May 7, 1948, at the First Congregational Church of Elgin. Frank Kratky directed the chorus accompanied by two pianos. The house was full, the audience enthusiastic and the Elgin Choral Union, complete with the unusual name, was underway.
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Elgin Choral Union 1986The Elgin Choral Union was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in 1966. It has been associated with Elgin Community College since 1978. Elgin Community College is a prime sponsor of the Choral Union. The Elgin Choral Union has the distinction of being the first performing group selected to be an In-Residence Ensemble at the Elgin Community College Institute for the Performing Arts.
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Over the years the Choral Union has invited numerous performing arts groups to share the stage - including the Elgin Children's Chorus, various local high school and college choirs, the Elgin Youth Symphony, the Children's Theatre of Elgin and other community choruses throughout the state of Illinois.
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The Elgin Choral Union is in its 60th season, making it the oldest performing arts organization in the Fox Valley. ECU is under the direction of Andrew Lewis and performs in Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre. The Chorus has distinguished itself by its ambitious programming, performing master choral works, contemporary composition and by commissioning several world premieres.
Moving forward, ECU looks toward the future with great anticipation, endeavoring to pass the torch of choral singing to future generations.
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