About the Nielsen Chorale: Rockford’s Premier Choral Ensemble
The Nielsen Chorale was Founded in 2019
Our Mission
To Enrich and Inspire Our Community Through Choral Music
Founded in 2019, the Nielsen Chorale is committed to excellence in the choral art with membership drawn from Rockford, Illinois and surrounding communities. The resident chorus of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, its repertoire centers on masterworks for chorus and orchestra as well as other distinctly creative collaborations with area soloists and instrumentalists.
The Chorale's name honors Ralph Nielsen (1916-1995), one of the city's most prominent proponents of choral music whose legacy has inspired generations of musicians. The organization's flexible three-tiered structure includes the full ensemble, the Chamber Chorus (approx. 40 singers), and Ancora, a 12-member select ensemble. Incorporated as a not-for-profit 501 (c)3 organization, its mission is to "enrich and inspire our community through choral music.
Meet the Nielsen Chorale
Joel Ross • Artistic Director
Joel Ross is a multi-faceted musician, acclaimed as a pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger, choral director, and music educator. He was recently appointed Artistic Director of the Nielsen Chorale, the resident chorus of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO). Ross previously served the RSO as Chorus Master from 1984 to 1987, and from 1988 to 2014 he was the Music Director of Kantorei, The Singing Boys of Rockford, touring nationally and internationally while presenting hundreds of performances that inspired audiences and transformed young lives.
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Equally at home in classical and jazz traditions, Ross’s performance career spans solo recitals, chamber music, symphonic literature, and oratorio, as well as appearances at choral conventions, jazz festivals, and in musical theater. He currently serves as Principal Pianist for the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
Ross earned degrees in both Music and Business Administration from North Park University in Chicago. His contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Mayor’s Arts Award (2004), the Mendelssohn Center for the Performing Arts “Starr of Excellence Award” (2006), and the Alpine Kiwanis Club “Touch-a-Life Award” (2014).
In addition to his musical career, Ross is co-owner of Randee’s Music Center in Rockford, a cornerstone for musicians seeking pianos, fretted instruments, and print music. A passionate preservationist, he has restored his historic boyhood home and renovated several neighborhood properties, providing housing for local families. Outside of music and community service, he enjoys swimming, biking, and exploring the culinary arts.
Kristen Nelson • Pianist
Kristen Nelson is a Rockford native and an active pianist and performer in the region. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and a Master of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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Dedicated to making music accessible and enjoyable at every skill level, Kristen maintains a thriving independent piano studio where she teaches and inspires students of all ages. She is also highly regarded as a collaborative pianist and accompanist, regularly performing with choirs, vocalists, instrumentalists, and ensembles across northern Illinois.
Her professional experience includes serving as adjunct faculty at Rock Valley College in Rockford, where she taught group piano courses. Kristen has also held music ministry positions at several Rockford-area churches and has built a strong reputation as a sought-after accompanist for both educational and professional ensembles.
Kristen frequently performs with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and has collaborated with leading organizations such as the Mendelssohn Chorale. Since the inception of the Nielsen Chorale in 2019, she has been an integral member, supporting its mission to enrich and inspire the community through choral music.
Ancora Ensemble (2025-26) • Section Leaders
Ancora is a select vocal ensemble comprised of twelve auditioned singers. The group regularly performs with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra (RSO), most notably at the annual Holiday Pops concert, and appears at other special events throughout the season. In addition to ensemble work, members often perform as soloists and in small groups. Each singer also serves as a section leader for The Nielsen Chorale, strengthening the artistic quality and leadership within the choir.
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- Kari Maratos
- Karen Kahler
- Karen Cantele
- Lisa Redd
- Jessica Koenig
- Lindsey Lancaster
- Francis Cichock
- Danny Summers
- Chandan Puri
- Bill Shold
- Jeff Steurer
- Dan Walls
Get Involved
Whether you are interested in singing, volunteering, supporting the arts, or attending concerts, the Nielsen Chorale welcomes you! Discover upcoming events, audition opportunities, and ways to support our mission.