The KCC traces its origin to Carthage College. In 2005 Carthage College offered an evening community choir, known as the Carthage Masterworks Chorale. Under the direction of Dr. Dimitri Shapovalov, the group eventually assumed the name of the Kenosha Choral Arts Society.

 

In the fall of 2012, the Kenosha Chamber Choir was born. The choir began with new direction, a new venue and a new name. Rehearsals and performances moved to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Andrew Wyosnick filled the Artistic Director position and Robert Stevens served as Executive Director.

 

In the fall of 2014, Dr. Dimitri Shapovalov re-assumed the role as Artistic Director of the Kenosha Chamber Choir. The choir collaborated with the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Waukegan Symphony Chorus. Later that spring, the KCC took part in “A Copland Celebration” with the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra and choirs from Tremper High School.

 

The Kenosha Chamber Choir appointed John Kryl as Director in the fall of 2016. John remained at the helm through the spring of 2018. In May 2018, the KCC performed “Voices for Valor.” The Riverport Chorus, MGV Harmonia, and the Round Lake Community Band joined us to pay tribute to veterans and to provide suicide prevention resources.

 

As the Kenosha Chamber Choir began its Fall 2018 season, Michelle Nuetzmann took the reins as Director. The KCC hosted its first-ever autumn concert in October, with choirs from Grayslake Central High School as our special guests. In the spring of 2019, Bryan Chung joined Michelle to co-lead our group.

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After a long hiatus due to COVID-19 the Kenosha Chamber Choir returned in the fall of 2022 with Riley Worthen as it's new and current Director. 

 

Throughout our history, the Kenosha Chamber Choir has received extravagant encouragement from several local entities. The Fine Arts faculty of Carthage College has been quick to share their expertise and resources. Just Live, Inc., a suicide prevention non-profit organization, has given us great assistance. We have also received uncommonly generous support and a home in which we can hone our craft from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.

 

We are proud of the family we have created here at the Kenosha Chamber Choir. Adult singers of a wide variety of ages, backgrounds and musical abilities grace our ranks. We strive to make excellent and beautiful music, but we also enjoy each other’s company. We intend to uphold both these qualities as we build upon our past history.