Help Our Cause

 The Nielsen Chorale was created to enrich and inspire our community  through choral music, and to serve as the resident chorus of the Rockford  Symphony Orchestra. Named to honor the memory and achievements of  Ralph Nielsen, the founder of Rockford’s choral music tradition, the  Chorale is a 501(c)3 charitable organization beginning its fifth season. 

As the end of the calendar year approaches, the Chorale once again joins the RSO to “Celebrate the Season” in the annual Holiday Pops Concerts  — back this year for two performances, December 21 and 22! We  welcome back Pecatonica native and veteran Broadway conductor  Kevin Stites to conduct this heartwarming, year-end celebration. 

Fifteen years have gone by since the RSO last performed Beethoven’s  powerful Ninth Symphony. On May 10, 2025, RSO Music Director  Yaniv Attar will lead the orchestra, four vocal soloists and the Nielsen  Chorale in his first Rockford performance of this immortal work, whose  finale, the “Ode to Joy”, is one of music’s best-known and most-beloved  moments.  

Donations to the Nielsen Chorale ensure that the tradition of choral  music created many years ago by Ralph Nielsen will continue. Help the  Chorale carry on Ralph’s dreams, lifting them to new and exciting levels of excellence. Please support the Nielsen Chorale today! For the Nielsen Chorale, 

With warm regards,  

Martha Bein and Steven Larsen 

Artistic Directors