Elmhurst Choral Union sings major classical choral works with a professional orchestra and soloists, under the direction of James MacDonald.

The ECU performs twice each year, early December and Spring, at beautiful Hammerschmidt Chapel, on the campus of Elmhurst College.  The group also appears regularly with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and at special events in Elmhurst.

Elmhurst Choral Union is a community chorus, selected by audition, with singers ranging from Elmhurst College students to retirees.

Our recent performances include Handel's Messiah (which we sing every other December), Bach's B Minor Mass, Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, Vaughn Williams' Hodie, Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, Mozart's Mass in C Minor, Schubert's Mass in A flat, Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Robert Ray's Gospel Mass, and the requiems of Mozart, Durufle, and Brahms. In appearances with the Elmhurst Symphony, we have sung Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, Orff's Carmina Burana, Mahler's Symphonies no. 2 and 3, the "chorus added" version of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, and choruses from French and Italian opera.

Recent audience survey respondents have described the ECU as "majestic",  "a treat to the ears and spirit", and "professional in all aspects."