News and Accolades

Uniting Voices Chicago Connects to the African Diaspora in Black History Month Concerts

Uniting Voices Chicago was founded in 1956 as a direct response to the Civil Rights Movement. Originally named the Children’s Chorus of the First Unitarian Church of Chicago, the youth choir program was formed to celebrate the racial and economic diversity of the city. During the 1950s, a significant number of Black people relocated to Chicago, causing the city’s Black population to grow from less than 10 percent to nearly 25 percent in less than a decade. This rapid influx of Black people strained racial tensions in the city, and it wasn’t long before Chicago became a major center for activism during the Civil Rights Movement.

Local Choir Explores History of African Diaspora

Uniting Voices Chicago, formerly known as the Chicago Children’s Choir, is exploring the history of the African diaspora in their latest performance, NBC 5’s LeeAnn Trotter reports.

How Lonnie Norwood Uses Music to Teach Black History and Bring this Knowledge to Many

Lonnie Norwood, Director of Africana Studies and Conductor of Englewood Neighborhood Choir and Lincoln Park/DePaul Neighborhood Choir, joined The Creative Solutions podcast host Izolda Trakhtenberg to discuss how music teaches us history.

Young Musicians Collaborate with Chicago Bulls for Black History Month

Musicians from Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras were featured in a newly-released video for the Chicago Bulls. Seven young musicians from CYSO, ranging from 9th-12th grade, joined musicians from Chicago’s Musical Arts Institute and singers from Uniting Voices Chicago. The group performed a spirited version of James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the “Black National Anthem,” on the Bulls court. The performance was edited together with footage of Chicago Bulls players both on and off the court. The video will be played before Bulls home games throughout the month of February in honor of Black History month.

Uniting Voices Chicago performing Black History Month concert series

Lonnie Norwood from Uniting Voices Chicago talks about their Black History Month concert series and the importance of highlighting the amazing contributions of Black people in the music sphere and beyond.

Lyric Opera’s Production of ‘Hansel and Gretel’ Cooks Up a Winningly Imaginative Theatrical Feast

The opera’s exquisite overture was exceptionally alluring, as was the later arrival of a spirit-raising group of children with heavenly voices who are part of Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly called the Chicago Children’s Choir), led by its outstanding chorus master, Josephine Lee.

‘Hansel and Gretel’ lightens the gloom with beautiful music, eye-opening imagery

Also meriting mention is the return of Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir), which offers a moving song of thanks after children turned into gingerbread come back to life following the witch’s demise.

Governor Pritzker sworn in for second term

Several groups performed at the ceremony including the Southern Illinois Children's Reunion Choir, the Illinois Air National Guard Band of the Midwest and Uniting Voices Chicago.

Uniting Voices Chicago brings children from all backgrounds together to make inspiring music

In the latest episode, we talk with an iconic Chicago-based children's choir that was created in a direct response to the civil rights movements to bring people of all background together.

Uniting Voices Chicago kicks off the holiday season on the Steve Cochran Show!

Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children's Choir) joins the Steve Cochran Show to kick off the holiday season!

50th anniversary for Lexington MLK Day celebration slated for Jan. 16, 2023

The program keynote speaker this year is David Hall, president of the University of the Virgin Islands. Hall is also a distinguished legal scholar who is recognized internationally for his contributions to legal scholarship on race, social justice, leadership and constitutional law. The internationally renowned youth choral ensemble Uniting Voices Chicago will be the featured artists at the Commemorative Program.

Chicago Children’s Choir rebrands to Uniting Voices Chicago

The Chicago Children’s Choir has changed its name to ‘Uniting Voices Chicago’ to expand its goals and values as an organization.

The Chicago Children’s Choir has helped thousands of young people find their voice for decades.