About Us

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2019-2020 marked the inaugural season of The Nielsen Chorale, resident chorus of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. The Chorale’s name honors Ralph Nielsen (1916-1995), the founding father of choral music in Rockford and one of the city’s most important musicians of the 20th century.  Business owner, singer and conductor, Ralph passionately promoted music in our community, especially choral music. He also was the patriarch of a remarkably distinguished musical family that spans three generations (so far). The Nielsen Chorale is committed to continuing the high standards of choral music performance that he started decades ago.

The Chorale is incorporated as an independent 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.  Its mission is “to enrich and inspire our community through choral music”. Artistic leadership will be provided by Music Director Martha Bein, who led the Mendelssohn Chorale from 1994-2019.

Martha (Marti) Bein is a multi-faceted musician with extensive experience in music education, conducting, vocal performance, musical theater, and church music. After earning degrees at Baldwin Wallace College (OH) and Cleveland State University, she continued her post-graduate education with Fellowships at the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University (NY), Northwestern University School of Music (both in Music Education) and the Conductors Institute of South Carolina. Her passion for music education was demonstrated on the faculty in public schools and independent schools: Laurel School (OH), Lake Forest Academy (IL) and Keith School (IL) For over twenty years, Marti provided leadership as Music Director of the Mendelssohn Chorale and for eight years led the Rockford Lutheran Choral Union’s annual performances of Handel’s Messiah.  Marti served as chorus master for Chicago Opera Theater, Lyric Opera Cleveland and the Bel Canto Foundation, and as Music Director of the Shaker Symphony in Cleveland, OH. In 2004, Ms. Bein received Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center’s “Starr of Excellence” award. She is active as an guest conductor and adjudicator.

Kristen Nelson, a Rockford native, is an active performer in the area. 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. 

Kristen is actively involved in accompanying and collaborative work, as well as teaching and adjudicating.  She maintains an independent piano studio and loves working with and encouraging students of all ages.  Previously, Kristen served as adjunct faculty at Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL, where she taught group piano courses.  Kristen  performs regularly with various choirs, vocalists, solo instrumentalists and ensembles, including the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. A sought-after accompanist, she has worked with the Mendelssohn Chorale since 2011. She enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her husband, Jeff, and young son, Beckett.  

Comprised of twelve singers selected by audition, Ancora, performs as an ensemble on the RSO Holiday Pops concert and as other occasions arise, often as solo and small ensembles.  The singers also serve as section leaders for The Nielsen Chorale.

ANCORA

2022-2023

Karen Cantele, soprano

Kari Maratos, soprano

Karen Kahler, soprano

Kristin Hatch, alto

Nicole Johnson, alto

Lindsay Lancaster, alto

Tim Lilly, tenor

Cliff Runyard, Tenor

Chris Berndt, Bass

Robert Lindstrom, Bass

Bill Shold, tenor

John Summers, bass