History
The Kenosha Chamber Choir traces its origins to Carthage College, where an evening community ensemble known as the Carthage Masterworks Chorale was established in 2005 under the direction of Dimitri Shapovalov. As the ensemble grew, it evolved into the Kenosha Choral Arts Society.
In the fall of 2012, the ensemble officially became the Kenosha Chamber Choir, embracing a new name, venue, and artistic vision. Rehearsals and performances moved to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, where Andrew Wyosnick served as Artistic Director and Robert Stevens served as Executive Director.
In 2014, Dimitri Shapovalov returned as Artistic Director, leading collaborations with the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Waukegan Symphony Chorus. The choir also joined the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra and choirs from Tremper High School for “A Copland Celebration.”
John Kryl was appointed Artistic Director in 2016 and remained in the role through the spring of 2018. During his tenure, the choir presented “Voices for Valor,” a collaborative concert honoring veterans and promoting suicide prevention awareness alongside Riverport Chorus, MGV Harmonia, and the Round Lake Community Band.
At the beginning of the 2018–19 season, Michelle Nuetzmann-Gutierrez assumed leadership of the choir as Artistic Director. That season also marked the KCC’s first autumn concert, featuring guest ensembles from the College of Lake County and Grayslake Central High School.
Following a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the choir returned in the fall of 2022 under the direction of Riley Worthen, whose leadership brought renewed artistic energy and growth to the ensemble.
Beginning with the 2024–25 season, Michael Gutierrez was appointed Artistic Director and Michelle Nuetzmann-Gutierrez assumed the role of Assistant Director. Under their leadership, the choir has expanded both its artistic programming and community impact. Recent seasons have included collaborations with the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra, Kenosha Unified School District choir and orchestra programs, The Kenosha Kingfish, and area community ensembles. In 2025, the KCC launched its first annual gala fundraiser with tremendous success and introduced a new spring POPS! concert series celebrating American popular music and contemporary choral repertoire.
As the organization continues to grow, the Kenosha Chamber Choir is also expanding its reach beyond Wisconsin. The choir is currently preparing for its first-ever tour to Nashville in June 2027, marking an exciting new chapter in the ensemble’s history.
Throughout its journey, the Kenosha Chamber Choir has been sustained by the encouragement of community supporters and the generous hospitality of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, which continues to host the choir’s rehearsals and seasonal performances.
Last updated June 2, 2026