Sponsors

 Joel Ross

Artistic Director

Kristin Hatch

President 

 Lisa Redd

Vice President

Bill Shold

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 2025-26 Sponsors

Visionary

Dr. William and Leah Baskin

Nelson Family/Ultrasonic Power Corporation


Benefactor

Bergstrom

Kristin and Mark Hatch


Sustainer

Ginny and Wayne Hatwich

Colleen and Dan Holmbeck

Integrated HomeCare Services

Eve Kirk

Martha Bein and Steven Larsen

Joel Ross


Patron

Joseph Bruce

Larry Ritsert

Dr. Loyd Wollstadt


Partner

Anna and John Borchers

Rose Carr

Tiffanie and Scott Ferry

Dr. Kirk and Carol Fischer

Nicole and Cliff Johnson

Gary Knappenberger

Carolyn and William Kobler

Susan and Laird Lambert

Kristen and Jeff Nelson

Peggy and Bill Shold

Linda and Dick Todd

Joan and Stan Tunnell


Friend

Emily Austin

Sonja and Frank Beach

Diane Boone

Janet Bracken

Karen and Antonio Cantele

Janis Hedrick

H. Tyler Hillman

Barbara and John Holstrom

Jeanette M Jess

Rev. Norma Lee Kerns Barnhart

Alexandra and Dustin Koch

Dick Kunnert

Jean and Duane Langkamp

Sara Lemon

Dr. Michael and Carol Leitz

R. Mark Lindman

Carrie and Eric Meyer

Drs. Lindsay and Ryan Moore

Marcia Mueller

J. Lowell Nafziger

Martha Rolf

Mieka and Dan Shuman

Michael Simmons

Barbara and Jack Simon

Rulee and Duane Stallman

Julie and Brian Thomas

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.

Contact Us

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