Vesper Chorale, the heart of the organization, gave its first concert on Good Friday of 1993. With a roster that includes a core of professional singers, along with dedicated amateurs, the choir performs in styles ranging from chant to gospel, and from classical masterworks to vocal jazz.

The choir’s reputation for combining artistry and spirituality when performing sacred choral music has brought invitations from the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Temple United Methodist Church, and return performances on the Ancilla College Performing Arts Series.

Other venues include Grace College, Manchester College, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Lake Michigan College, Southwestern Michigan College, St. Augustine Cathedral (Kalamazoo), St. Matthew Cathedral (South Bend), Holy Family Church (South Bend), and the Culver Academies.

Begun in 1998, Vesper Chamber Orchestra forms a key component in the performance and educational programming of Vesper Chorale Inc.

This fully professional orchestra draws musicians from Northern Indiana, Michigan, and the Chicago area. Many of its players also perform with the South Bend and Kalamazoo Symphonies, as well as other orchestras throughout the Midwest.

The orchestra focuses on oratorio and mass repertoire from the 18^th and 20^th Centuries. Its size (20 – 25 players) makes it especially versatile in the study of this repertoire. It has performed with Vesper Chorale at Ancilla College, Andrews University, Manchester College, Grace College, and Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne.

The Vesper Chorale Octet offers an exciting entertainment option for clubs, companies, organizations, or private homes.

Our singers are available in an octet featuring professional and semi-professional musicians singing a variety of musical styles, ranging from traditional Christmas carols for the holidays to lush eight-part harmony love songs for Valentine’s gatherings.

The group can bring an air of sophistication for black tie events or a classy touch to the next company Christmas party. Smaller groups and soloists are also available, please contact us for availability.

The Children’s Choir of Michiana is a joint project of Vesper Chorale and First United Methodist Church.

The choir’s first rehearsal took place on September 14, 2004, under the direction of Susan Dengler. When Ms. Dengler completed her term, Wishart Bell became its second director.

Following the Vesper Chorale charge to provide an educationally based vocal program, this choir of select fourth through eighth graders learns head-voice vocal technique, sight singing and rhythm. The choir performs concerts in venues throughout Michiana, including First Presbyterian Church in Niles, Batell Center in Mishawaka, and the Robinson Community Learning Center in South Bend.

In April of 2006, the Goshen Community Chorus honored the Children’s Choir with an invitation to perform John Rutter’s Mass for the Children. In November of 2006 the choir was invited to perform at the Dowagiac Choral Festival. This year CCM will start satellite choirs at the Robinson Learning Center, please contact us for more information.

This activity made possible, in part, by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.