Based in

Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...

Illinois Illinois ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of Greater St. Louis. Other smaller metropolita ...

, The Lakeside Singers is a Chicago area ensemble made up of professional singers, composers and arrangers, half of whom have the majority of their performing experience in classical choral music and half in non-classical styles. Individually, they have performed in TV and radio commercials, operas, early music ensembles, film scores, Broadway shows, jazz clubs, cruise ships, cabarets and classical and popular concerts across the country. The Lakeside Singers was founded in the fall of 1999 by Artistic Director Robert Bowker and Executive Director Mary Stewart. The Lakeside Singers typical concert format involves a classical sound during the first half of the concert and the same group of singers at microphones in front of a live band for the second half. The Lakeside Singers typically present a Spring and Christmas Concert series as well as appearing at other public and private events. During their 2008 season they were featured with the

Chicago Symphony Orchestra The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) was founded by Theodore Thomas in 1891. The ensemble makes its home at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and plays a summer season at the Ravinia Festival. The music director is Riccardo Muti, who began his tenure ...

at Ravinia Festival and made their debut at the Harris Theater in Chicago's

Millennium Park Millennium Park is a public park located in the Loop community area of Chicago, operated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. The park, opened in 2004 and intended to celebrate the third millennium, is a prominent civic center near ...

. The Lakeside Singers are headquartered in

Evanston, Illinois Evanston ( ) is a city, suburb of Chicago. Located in Cook County, Illinois, United States, it is situated on the North Shore along Lake Michigan. Evanston is north of Downtown Chicago, bordered by Chicago to the south, Skokie to the west, Wil ...

and operate under the leadership of Robert Bowker, a singer, conductor, composer, arranger and producer. Individuals must audition for acceptance to the group and must re-audition every two years.

Sources

Lakeside Singers Official site

Lakeside Singers on MySpace

Robert Bowker Official site

Splash Magazine Review

Audio Interview and Review on NPR Affiliate WBEZ, Chicago Public Radio Show Eight-Forty Eight
Musical groups from Chicago Choirs in Illinois Musical groups established in 1999 1999 establishments in Illinois {{US-singing-group-stub