The Apollo Chorus of Chicago plays a vital role in the life of our thriving city, as it has for almost 140 years. Like our regional business community, Apollo is proud of our contribution to making Chicago a world-class city. Through the decades, the Chorus has been committed to broadening access for diverse audiences and volunteer singers to the world's most beautiful music. We've seen the power of the choral arts to connect and empower people toward a common purpose.

Each year, the chorus performs at free outreach events in the community, and provides educational activities and tickets to our major concerts for schools. Recent outreach efforts include:

¨       Free performances for patients at the Hines Veteran’s Hospital Spinal Cord Injury Center

¨       Inviting students from several local organizations to attend concerts as well as dress rehearsals and receive an educational program from the music director. Recent organizations include Gads Hill Center, among the oldest and most respected non-profit youth education and family resource centers on Chicago's South Side, and METROsquash, an organization that teaches underprivileged Chicago Public School students (grades 5-9) the game of squash as well as other academic and cultural experiences.

¨       A Messiah sing-along at Mather Lifeways, a non-profit senior residence facility

¨       Caroling at the “Bean” in Millennium Park and at the Lincoln Park Zoo

¨       Creating Student Guides for classical music concerts available at the concerts and for download online

Our annual preview concert, presented free of charge and open to all who wish to experience great choral music

We are painfully aware that this last year was devastating for many. The future has never felt so unpredictable—and we are hopeful that as the recovery begins, we can once again count on your support.

While there’s a lot of uncertainty, we continue to adapt to our changing reality. It is in that spirit that we present Apollo After Hours, a virtual cabaret night and silent auction on May 1, 2021 to support Apollo’s musical and community outreach programs. As members of the chorus, we are writing to request your support in the form of a tax-deductible donation to our silent auction or sponsorship.

Apollo Chorus of Chicago formed in 1872, just after the Chicago Fire, to “raise the spirits of the city.” We find ourselves in a similar role this year. We released our first full virtual concert “Glory: Music for Our World” in November—an extraordinary collection of pieces including a moving tribute to first responders and a memorial to those lost from COVID-19. We are also preparing a spring concert for release in March, which will also be free to “attend” with only an optional free-will donation. Our pivot to virtual events and concerts has more than doubled the number of people who are able to attend these events and who will view your donated items. We also strongly encourage our members to patronize and support those establishments that donate to this event.

We are proud of our legacy, and with your help, we will continue to provide music with artistry and passion to the Chicagoland community and beyond for generations to come. You can support Apollo with an in-kind donation to our After Hours silent auction—such as a gift certificate or branded merchandise. No contribution is too small, and every dollar helps us ensure that our rich tradition of music-making continues.

For further details on how to make your tax-deductible donation, please read the attached proposal, or email at benefit@apollochorus.org.  Since the event will be held on May 1, 2021, we would like to have all arrangements finalized by April 16. Donations may be emailed or sent to:

Apollo Chorus of Chicago
c/o Susan Miller

780 Roosevelt Rd

Hanover Park, Il 60133

Please think of us as the economy reopens. It is with support of generous patrons like you that we are able to make a significant musical difference in the lives of music lovers in Chicago and beyond. We thank you in advance for your generosity and support.