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”. 

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. 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 Manley Kahler

Kari Maratos

Lisa Redd

Cliff Runyard

Cory Schreiner

William Shold

John Summers