Music in Our Congregations
We draw on several sources for our faith, and the first is “direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures.” The lively arts open us to that mystery and wonder. Indeed, Unitarian Minister Rev. Carolyn Owen-Towle says for us all,
"Music, the enveloping soul rocker. Music, the combination of notes which draws one into new dimensions of understanding, into places words cannot enter. Religion cannot fully penetrate the life of the communicant without the aid of music.”
Our congregations have become a place where people have brought and shared their gifts – and what gifts they are!
Music in worship
Our congregations incorporate a myriad of music styles and ethnicities in their worship. Music makers include adult and children’s choirs, drums and jazz ensembles, grand piano music, or the newly restored 3-manual, 4-rank E.M. Skinner organ at First Unitarian Society of Chicago. Some special worship events include
√ The Taize services at Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, , a candle-lit envelope of music, chant, meditation in the Frank Lloyd Wright auditorium
√ The handbell choirs at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb and The Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin
√ Second Unitarian Church's 2U worship band and folk ensemble, 4Now
√ Brass, drum and jazz ensembles at the Unitarian Church of Evanston
√ Tony Meador Jazz and Sentimental Journey at The Unitarian Church of Hinsdale
Concert series
The spaces of our congregations and the talent of members invite the making of music in concert series.
√ Bluegrass Jamboree the third Saturday evening of a month at DeKalb Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
√ “Art and Architecture” at Unity Temple, music groups in the Frank Lloyd Wright auditorium Saturday evenings at 7:30.
√ The Chicago Children’s Choir at First Unitarian Society of Chicago
√ Sunday afternoon concert series in “the cathedral,” First Unitarian Society of Chicago
√ Acoustic Renaissance folk concerts Saturday evenings at 6 pm at The Unitarian Church of Hinsdale.
Special music groups
√ Cymbal of DeKalb Fellowship, a group of four women joining voices and rhythms “to stir listeners to consider new ways of thinking about the world.”
√ 4now at Second Church, a folk and rhythm group
√ The Deerfield Transfer Jazz at North Shore Unitarian Church
√ Karl Montzka Jazz at the Unitarian Church of Evanston
Music-making opportunities for children and youth
√ The North Shore children’s choir
√ Unity Temple Chalice Singers
√ Handbell choirs of DeKalb and Elgin
√ Children's Choir at Lake Shore Unitarian Society
√ Youth orchestra and children’s choirs at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
√ First Unitarian Society of Chicago is home to the Hyde Park Neighborhood Choir, one of the training choirs of the Chicago Children's Choir.
FEATURE
Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has a Threshold Choir. Threshold Choirs honor the ancient tradition of singing at the bedsides of people who are struggling: some with living, some with dying. The voice, as the original human instrument, is a true and gracious vehicle for compassion and comfort. The choir provides an opportunity for people to share the sacred gifts of their voices at life’s thresholds. When invited to a bedside, choir members visit in small groups; families and caregivers are invited to join in song and participate by listening.
CALENDAR
April 5 at worship services 9 and 11 am -- Vivaldi's "Gloria" at DuPage Unitarian Church in Naperville.
April 6 at 7 pm -- Hijazz concert at Second Unitarian Church. Brett Rowe and his Middle Eastern Latin Jazz ensemble. hijazzband.com
April 12 at worship services, 9:30 and 11:15 -- Morten Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna" presented by the choir at Unity Temple, Oak Park.
April 12 at worship services, 9 and 11 am -- Jim Scott, UU troubadour composer and musician, at DuPage UU church.
April 15 at 7 pm -- "In One House," a festival of choirs at Unity Temple, including the choirs of Austin Boulevard Church, Oak Park Temple, and Unity Temple.
April 18 at 8 pm -- Third Saturday Coffee House at Unity Temple, featuring Susan Firer, Poet Laureate of the City of Milwaukee.
April 19 at 3 pm -- Sunday afternoon at First with "Twisted Roots," First Unitarian Society of Chicago. Mark Brewer, harp, and Jason Deroche, guitar.
April 19 at worship service, 11am -- "Music around the world," a lively event featuring guest percussionists and music from Bulgaria, South Africa, Senegal, Colombia, and the United States, at the Unitarian Church of Evanston
April 24 at 7 pm -- a Taize service of music, candlelight, and meditation at Unity Temple.
April 25 at 7:30 pm -- Nora O'Connor, vocalist, at Unity Temple, in their "Art and Architecture" series. utconcerts.com
May 1 at 6 pm -- Taize service at People's Church, followed by a jazz coffeehouse featuring "The Unit of Two," kepboard and guitar. Proceeds benefit 2 Lil Fishes soup kitchen
May 3 at worship service, 10 a.m. -- "Gloria! A spirituality of gratitude." Michael Thorn directs the chancel choir in a variety of Glorias. First Society Chicago
May 3 at worship service, 9:15 and 11:15 -- Franz Schubert's "Mass in G Major," featuring the choir and string ensemble, at North Shore Unitarian Church.
May 9 at 7 pm -- Fourth Annual Pete Seeger Birthday Celebration (His 90th!), with Bucky Halker and Don Steinberg, at the Unitarian Fellowship of DeKalb.
May 9-10, at worship services -- A Celebration of Music for Mother's Day at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva
May 10 at 3 pm -- Sunday afternoon at First with Jennifer Maxwell and Svetlana Belsky, classical piano duo. First Society Chicago
May 31 at worship services, 9 and 11 am -- YUUth Ensemble of the DuPage church present "One Hundred Years," by Five for Fighting.