On Thursday, May 18, the Cook County High School and Middle School choirs and guest artists will present “Around the World in (About) 80 Minutes.” The choirs will perform folk songs and choral arrangements from America to Indonesia, with texts in 10 languages. The concert also features several guest artists from around the community, including members of the Cook County Schools staff and the Cook County High School band, musicians from the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra, and the Swedish folk-singing group SVEA.
The Cook County Schools choral program, now in its third year, continues to grow and excel. The high school choir received Excellent and Superior ratings at the State High School League’s Section 7A music contest this year, performing two pieces from the highest difficulty category. The middle school choir has taken on the challenge of singing in Zulu and French in addition to English for this concert. A survey conducted by the music department revealed that 85 percent of Cook County Schools staff was involved in band, orchestra, or choir as students, and the idea of a staff choir was born. This concert will be the debut of the Cook County Schools Staff Chorus. SVEA was formed in February of this year and has performed at Drury Lane’s Full Moon Reading, Johnson Heritage Post, and on WTIP.
The performance will take place at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Admission is free. A free-will donation at the door will help cover costs such as music purchases, concert attire, and supplies.
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