Sixty members of Anima-Young Singers of Greater Chicago performed on November, 1, 2, and 3 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center in Chicago. They were part of Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 which was conducted by Semyon Bychkov and also included the women of the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

John von Rhein, classical music critic of the Chicago Tribune, said of their performance, “…and Anima—Young Singers of Greater Chicago sang like Botticelli angels in the fifth movement, a setting of a poem from the folk collection ‘Des Knaben Wunderhorn’ that anticipates a joyous afterlife in heaven.”

For this performance, the choristers practiced for several weeks prior in anticipation of their collaboration with the CSO.  The practice sessions included being at the CSO on Halloween, but the children were given a small party at Symphony Center so as not to miss the holiday. Anima has frequently appeared with the CSO in its 48 year history and these events are a result of the efforts of Emily Ellsworth, the Artistic Director and conductor of the group.

In addition to working with the CSO, Anima is providing 30 of their choristers in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Hansel and Gretel, opening December 7th. Ms. Ellsworth recently took over 40 choristers on a concert tour to Eastern Europe and St. Petersburg where they performed with esteemed local choirs in beautiful, historic venues.

Anima is now enrolling for the new semester beginning in January. Students ages 5 and up are welcome in three different levels of choirs. More information on how to join Anima is available on their website, www.animasingers.org, or by calling 630-858-2471.

Anima’s mission is to transform young lives through excellence in music education and choral singing. Founded on the belief that all children are inherently musical and that music vitally enriches the quality of life, Anima strives to discover, nurture and develop the “artist in every child.” Serving the community through song since 1964, Anima has a national reputation for its musical excellence, effective educational philosophy, and outreach programs that bring rich educational and cultural opportunities to area youth.