Wheaton residents can sing the "Hallelujah" chorus alongside a professional orchestra and choir when Camerata Chicago performs at Gary United Methodist Church on Nov. 21.
The 40-piece chamber orchestra and chorus, led by conductor Drostan Hall, will perform highlights from George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" and "Zadok the Priest" at 3 p.m. at the church, 224 N. Main St. The Wheaton concert is one of three stops on a Nov. 20-22 run that also includes Oak Park and Hinsdale.
The program features Part I of "Messiah," traditionally known as the Christmas section, Shaw Local reported. The chorus will then perform the "Hallelujah" chorus from Part II and repeat it as an audience sing-along. That sing-along format is part of all three concerts.
The concert opens with "Zadok the Priest," an anthem Handel wrote for the coronation of England's King George II. The text draws from the biblical account of the anointing of King Solomon, according to a press release on Musical America.
Four soloists join the ensemble. Countertenor Key'mon Murrah sings the soprano part. Opera News has praised Murrah for his "resplendent, voluptuous tone throughout his enormous range and phrasing with the feel of fine silk," according to the press release. Mezzo-soprano Camille Robles, selected for the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble for the 2025-26 season at Lyric Opera of Chicago, rounds out the upper voices. Tenor Daniel Luis Espinal and bass-baritone Laureano Quant complete the quartet.
Chicago violinist Eric Gratz serves as guest concertmaster for the 2026-27 season.
Hall, a British-born violinist, founded Camerata Chicago in 2003. The ensemble makes regular guest appearances on the Artist Series at Wheaton College, according to the press release.
Single tickets are $50 for adults, $40 for seniors 65 and over, $10 for students and $2 for children 14 and under. VIP tickets are $75 and include front-section seating. A 15% online discount is available. Tickets and information are at CamerataChicago.org or by phone at 312-799-0916.
The standing tradition for the "Hallelujah" chorus dates to King George II, who rose to his feet during a performance, according to the Camerata Chicago website. Everyone in the king's presence had to stand, too. On Nov. 21 in Wheaton, the audience can join the chorus itself.
