With the retirement of Mr. Jaynes in 1989, the Chorus entered a new era. Professor Jeordano Martínez, of the restored Music Department at North Central College, accepted the Chorus Directorship, re-establishing the musical link between residents and the college. In the spring of 1992, the Chorus dropped "Community" from its name in recognition of the breadth of its membership. Under the leadership of Professor Martínez, the Chorus has diversified in terms of:
- Size, with the Chamber Singers, formerly under Assistant Director Mr. Jon Warfel, and now directed by Ross Berkley, available for appearances at community, civic and business events where a small group is called for and where massive volume is artistically appropriate, the Chorus has combined performances with other area choruses and the DuPage Symphony Orchestra;
- Audiences, with Chorus tours of Central Europe (1999) and Spain and Portugal (2001); and
- Music, expanding its repertoire from haunting medieval chants to Andrew Lloyd-Webber.
The Naperville Chorus in the future: The Chorus looks forward to continuing and expanding its tradition of offering fine choral music to the citizens of Naperville. The support of the Illinois Arts Council, the Target Foundation and individual benefactors will strengthen the future as they have the past. (JS)
The history of the Naperville Chorus is about music:
- Centuries-old choral works of timeless beauty by Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Handel, Schubert, Strauss…
- Reggae-style Christmas carols
- The Requiem, or Mass for the Dead, Mozart left unfinished at his own death
- The Motet composed to honor Naperville native Commander Daniel Shanower, killed in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon
- Modern masterpieces evoking despair and delight…and so much more….
The history of the Chorus is also about people:
In the 1960's Dr. Paul Warren Allen of the North Central College Music Department melded the vocal talents of students, college personnel, and community members into a forerunner of the Naperville Chorus. The NCC-Community Chorus flourished and performed contemporary and traditional choral works until 1971, when financial cutbacks at the college eliminated the Music Department.
In 1976 Mr. Robert O. Jaynes revived the concept of a community-wide chorus for Naperville, anchored by singers recruited to perform with the Municipal Band at the City’s celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial. Reincarnated as the Naperville Community Chorus, the group presented concerts semi-annually, and soon added appearances at the downtown Christmas tree lighting ceremony and at summer band concerts.