OUR MISSION

Chicago’s leading voice in new music, WFC seeks to redefine “choir.” At the forefront  of Chicago’s contemporary music scene for over 50 years, and with over 200 premiere performances, we expand choral repertoire through the performance of living composers. By supporting voices innovating choral music, our artists create new connections with the world around us, connecting audiences, composers and artists in unparalleled ways.

Led by Artistic and Music Director Chris Windle, WFC’s roster draws from some of the most exciting professional vocalists working in and around the Chicagoland area. Performing in different iterations based on project size, WFC brings anywhere from 6 to 24 members of the roster together for given projects. Recent highlights include, Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles, David Lang’s the little match girl passion, Wally Gunn’s The Ascendant, and the premieres of Robert Maggio’s Lungs of a City and Kile Smith’s In The Midst of Life.

Exploring and experiencing new music with our artists and audience opens us all to new ideas, new sounds, and new voices; and this brings the 50-year long legacy of founder William Ferris to audiences throughout the region.

PRESS

"Firmly rooted in a musical sensitivity and intelligence, nuanced, soulful, clear, and expressive, your singing and conducting, allied to your superior ears for musical nuance and your vivid and powerful artistry, imbue the experience of hearing you with beauty, empathy, joy, creativity, and vitality."

- Augusta Read Thomas, composer

“The Ferris Chorale is one of the finest chorus­es of its kind in the nation.”

- The Chicago Tribune

“The William Ferris Chorale is one of Chicago's impor­tant cultural assets.”

- Chicago Sun-Times

“Beautiful, Energetic, Filled with nuances, Delicious”

- Kile Smith, composer

“I don’t know of any other chorus in the city doing this kind of gutsy work”

- Emily Ellsworth, conductor