Sponsors

 Joel Ross

Artistic Director

Kristin Hatch

President 

 Lisa Redd

Vice President

James Marck

Secretary

Karen Cantele

Treasurer

Chris Berndt

Joseph Bruce

Laura Eakman

Kristen Nelson

Larry Ritsert 

William Shold

Martha Bein

Director Emerita

James C. Provenza, JD, CPA

Attorney of Counsel

LIVE THE MUSIC

2025-2026


Dear Friends of Choral Music, 

The Nielsen Chorale was formed to enrich and inspire our community through choral music and to serve as the resident chorus of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. We firmly believe in the transformative power of the choral art—as manifest within the singers themselves, our appreciative audience, and the many individuals such as you who choose to support this worthy effort.

The Chorale once again joins the RSO to celebrate the season in the annual Holiday Pops concerts on December 20 and 21. Principal Pops Conductor Kevin Stites will draw on his decades of experience in musical theater to create a most memorable production to delight children of all ages!

Then, on April 19, 2026, we will present John Rutter’s moving “Mass of the Children.” This work was originally prepared by Nielsen in 2020 but was unfortunately canceled due to Covid. Now, we’re thrilled to bring it to life—featuring the Nielsen Chamber Choir, soloists, professional instrumentalists, and youth singers from Kantorei, the Auburn High School CAPA treble choir, and the Guilford High School treble ensemble. It promises to be an unforgettable celebration of both community and the next generation of musicians.

The Nielsen Chorale thrives on the passion and commitment of individuals who believe in our mission and are willing to support it. Your donation helps ensure that we remain strong, vibrant, relevant, and deeply committed to the community we serve. We invite you to become a vital part of our chorus family. Your generosity will resonate in every note we sing and every heart we touch. 

Respectfully,

Joel Ross

Artistic Director

Sponsor Levels

Visionary $5,000+
Benefactor $2,500-$4,999
Sustainer $1,000-$2,499
Patron $600-$999
Partner $300-$599
Friend $1-$299

Thank You to Our 2024-25 Sponsors

Visionary

Nelson Family/Ultrasonic Power Corporation


Benefactor

Kristin and Mark Hatch


Sustainer

William and Leah Baskin

Norma Lee Barnhart Kerns

Martha Bein and Steven Larsen

Nancy Goldman and Marc Soriano


Patron

Lindsay and Ryan Moore

Larry Ritsert


Partner

Joseph Bruce

Janice Hedrick

Sally and William Hoff

Nicole and Cliff Johnson

Carolyn and William Kobler

Karen and Richard Olson

Peggy and Bill Shold

Mickey Swart

Joseph Sweeney

Therese and Scott Trenhaile

Joan and Stan Tunnell


Friend

Don Balsam

Sonja and Frank Beach

Marge and Kyle Beavers

Jeneanne and Jerry Bejnarwicz

Vivian and Chris Berndt

Betsy Burgoyne

James Burright

Mary Buskohl

Karen and Antonio Cantele

Stephen Carter

Dr. Shin Chen

Paula Dowling

Scott and Tiffanie Ferry

Sharon Foster

Rebecca Freehauf

H. Tyler Hillman

Audrey Johnson

Janis K. Johnson

Melissa and Ted Johnson

Nancy and Jeff Kaney

Alexandra and Dustin Koch

Fred and Sue Mainville

Carol Malmgren

Mary and Steve Martin

Barbara McNamara

Carrie Meyer

Marcia Mueller

J. Lowell Nafziger

Gonzi Ocampo

Amy and Bob Phelps

Lisa Redd

Cathy Ritts

Mary Jo and Joe Ross

Joel Ross

George Rotello

Mieka and Dan Shuman

Barbara and Jack Simon

Sally Spencer

Doreen and Alex Stagnaro-Green

Julie and Brian Thomas

Pat and John Timmerwilke

Alvira Bayod Ventimiglia

Wesley Webb

Rita Weber

Natalie Wooden

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.

Help Make an Impact – Donate and Be Part of the Vibrant Rockford Choral Tradition.

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