To Enrich and Inspire Our Community Through Choral Music
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
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”.
A multi-faceted musician, Joel Ross is 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, having served the RSO in a similar capacity as
Chorus Master from 1984-1987. From 1988-2014, he served
A multi-faceted musician, Joel Ross is 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, having served the RSO in a similar capacity as
Chorus Master from 1984-1987. From 1988-2014, he served as Music Director of Kantorei, The
Singing Boys of Rockford, touring the U.S. and the world presenting hundreds of performances
sharing his passion for the choral art while transforming young lives.
Noted for equal facility in both the classical and jazz realm, Mr. Ross’s eclectic performance
experience ranges from solo recital, chamber music, symphonic literature, and oratorio, to
appearances in choral conventions, jazz festivals and musical theater. Principal pianist for the
Rockford Symphony Orchestra, he also appears regularly with the Elgin Symphony.
Mr. Ross holds degrees in both Music and Business Administration from North Park University in
Chicago and is the recipient of 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). During business hours, he is co-owner of Randee’s Music Center in
Rockford, specializing in pianos, fretted instruments, and print music.
A certifiable old house buff, his creative energies are evident in the restoration of his historic
boyhood home. He also has purchased and renovated several properties in the neighborhood,
renting them to deserving families. He enjoys swimming, biking, and honing his culinary skills.
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. Believin
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. Believing that music-making should be accessible and fun at any skill level, 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 has served at several Rockford-area churches and
performs regularly with various choirs, vocalists, solo instrumentalists and ensembles, including
the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. A sought-after accompanist, she has previously worked with
the Mendelssohn Chorale and has been with the Nielsen Chorale since their inception in 2019.
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
2023-2024
Chris Berndt
Karen Cantele
Nathan Forrester
Nicole Johnson
Lindsey Lancaster
Karen M
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
2023-2024
Chris Berndt
Karen Cantele
Nathan Forrester
Nicole Johnson
Lindsey Lancaster
Karen Manley Kahler
Kari Maratos
Lisa Redd
Cliff Runyard
Cory Schreiner
William Shold
John Summers
Kristin Hatch President
Lisa Redd Vice President
James Marck Secretary
Karen Cantele Treasurer
Chris Berndt
Laura Eakman
Kristen Nelson
Larry Ritsert
William Shold
Music Director
Joel Ross
Attorney of Counsel
James C Provenza, JD, CPA
Music Director Emerita and Founder
Martha Bein
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