About Opus 24

Since its founding in 1991 by Louise Kidd, Jim Collins, Norman Stewart, and Kathi McClugage, Opus 24 has established a tradition of providing a quality choral music experience for both participant and the listening audience. Starting with only eleven singers, Opus 24 has grown into a mature musical force in central Illinois.  Enjoying a two-hour weekly rehearsal, singers from all over central Illinois come to enrich their passion for music through the Opus 24 experience.

In addition to its regular concert season, Opus 24 has performed for festivals, conventions and special events throughout the Midwest.  Opus 24 has performed for Illinois American Choral Directors Association conferences at Wheaton College, Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University, and Millikin University.  The ensemble has also performed with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra and has produced several CDs.

Opus 24 is one of the programs supported by the Decatur Choral Society in its mission to promote quality choral music.  The Choral Society also supports the Millikin Children's Choir and provides scholarship to area high school students to receive voice lessons at Millikin University.  Decatur Choral Society is funded through your generous tax-deductible contributions, program advertisements, and CD and ticket sales.

Opus rehearsal photos by Joseph Ressler, Herald & Review

Decatur Choral Society Board

Kay Mason, President

John Gorecki, Vice President

Nancy Salefski, Secretary

Aaron Largent, Treasurer

Marie Jagger-Taylor

Don Martin

Kathi McClugage

Verlyn Rosenberger

Christian Kaufman

Lana Ophorst

Katie Tippit

Ted Hesse, conductor

Decatur Choral Society Purpose

A) To plan, promote and develop the opportunity for singing and performing a broad range of distinguished sacred and secular choral literature for the people of Decatur, Macon County and surrounding communities in Illinois.

B) To promote public appreciation of choral works and performance of them and to educate the general public in this type of music.