Naperville Chorus celebrates 50 years of beautiful music

The 100-member choral group has been a fixture in the Naperville community since 1976.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A striking abstract illustration featuring bold, angular shapes in black, white, and red, conveying the energy and harmony of a community chorus performance.The Naperville Chorus celebrates 50 years of bringing beautiful music and community spirit to the city.Naperville Today

The Naperville Chorus, a 100-member choral group, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The chorus was founded in 1976 and has a rich history, tracing its roots back to the Oratorio Society of the early 20th century. Over the decades, the chorus has grown in size and reputation, performing across the country and internationally. Despite not requiring auditions, the group has maintained a high level of musical talent and continues to attract new members while retaining longtime singers.

Why it matters

The Naperville Chorus is an important part of the vibrant arts community in Naperville, Illinois, providing residents with the opportunity to experience live choral music. The group's longevity and commitment to inclusivity, regardless of skill level, make it a unique and valuable asset to the local community.

The details

The Naperville Chorus was founded in 1976 but can trace its origins back over 100 years to the Oratorio Society, a singing group made up of students and townspeople. The chorus was also influenced by the NCC-Community Chorus, started in the 1960s by a North Central College music professor. In 1976, Robert Jaynes brought together a 40-member ad hoc group to perform with the Naperville Municipal Band for the city's Bicentennial celebration, which became the Naperville Community Chorus under his direction. As the group grew and attracted members from across the Chicago area, 'community' was dropped from its name in 1992. Today, the chorus has 100 members with a mix of skill levels, from those who haven't sung since elementary school to music teachers and college-trained musicians.

  • The Naperville Chorus was founded in 1976.
  • The group dropped 'community' from its name in 1992.
  • The chorus will present its 50th anniversary concert on April 19, 2026.

The players

Rita Mathern

An 82-year-old member of the Naperville Chorus who has been singing with the group for 27 years.

Elisabeth Case

A former president of the Naperville Chorus who noted the group's ability to retain long-term members while also attracting new singers.

Robert Jaynes

The founder of the Naperville Chorus, who brought together a 40-member ad hoc group in 1976 that became the basis for the chorus.

John Zelman

A member of the Naperville Chorus for about 15 years, who describes himself as an amateur musician but has found the group helpful in sharpening his musical abilities.

Jeordano 'Pete' Martínez

The music director of the Naperville Chorus at the time, who led a special performance by 40 chorus members at the memorial service for Rita Mathern's husband.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I get there to rehearsal on a cold winter night, and I realize, 'Oh, yes, this is where I need to be. This is great.'”

— Rita Mathern, Naperville Chorus member

“It was incredible how many people had been, at that point in time, already a member of the chorus for 20 years, 25 years, and we were still bringing in new members.”

— Elisabeth Case, Former Naperville Chorus president

“We get a very good mix of very strong singers, folks who are really good at reading music, sight reading, and some that aren't. But we provide an opportunity to kind of stretch and grow for anybody who's interested.”

— Elisabeth Case, Former Naperville Chorus president

“You're harmonizing with people around you and they say that once you make a chord with people, you're friends forever.”

— John Zelman, Naperville Chorus member

What’s next

The Naperville Chorus will present its 50th anniversary concert on April 19, 2026, featuring a mix of traditional choral music and choral opera pieces performed in English, German, Latin, and Italian.

The takeaway

The Naperville Chorus has been a beloved part of the Naperville community for 50 years, providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for singers of all skill levels to come together and create beautiful music. Its longevity and commitment to the arts in the city make it a valuable cultural asset that will continue to enrich the lives of residents for years to come.