Conductor’s Message

Dear Friends of Opus 24,

Greetings! On behalf of Opus 24 and the Decatur Choral Society, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support and generosity...especially with our Great Basilicas Choral Festival and tour of Italy this past June. It was a trip of a lifetime! As a valued member of our musical family, you play an essential role in helping us thrive. Your contributions and support make it possible for us to engage with audiences, support our singers and prepare unforgettable performances. In that spirit, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming concert, Rejoice!.

To rejoice is to experience deep gladness, often in response to good news, success or something that brings fulfillment and gratitude. It can also be a conscious choice to embrace joy, particularly in times of struggle, darkness or uncertainty. Finding light and hope regardless of external circumstances can be a powerful act that cultivates a mindset of gratitude and helps us to recognize the beauty, meaning and blessings present in life, no matter how small.

For many, the holiday season is filled with outward expressions of rejoicing: decorations, the giving of gifts, gatherings, food and of course music are all designed to create a feeling of celebration. However, it’s also a time for inner rejoicing, an opportunity to reflect, appreciate loved ones and find peace in the present moment.

We invite you to join us on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 3:00 pm in the beautiful Central Christian Church sanctuary where we will raise our voices in song and celebrate the joy of music. You will hear beloved choral and holiday classics as well as newer exciting works that highlight the talent and dedication of our choir, pianist and instrumental chamber ensemble.

Once again, thank you for being an essential part of our choir’s journey. We look forward to seeing you at the concert and to many more musical moments shared in the future!

With peace and rejoicing,

Ted Hesse, Conductor

2024-2025 Concert Season

Fall Concert

Sunday, November 17, 2024

3:00 PM

Central Christian Church

Spring Concert

Sunday, May 11, 2025

3:00 PM

Central Christian Church

Italy Tour Pictures & Video

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.