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On the first three Sundays of the month and Baha'i holy days or special events, the 30-member a cappella choir fills the auditorium with awe-inspiring works that ring from on high in the domed structure. (Call ahead to confirm that the choir will be singing on a particular day: 847-853-2300.)

The singers are literally out of sight (in the balcony above the auditorium) so listeners can feel the music with their heart and soul, says choir director Van Gilmer, a Baha'i and award-winning composer.

Van Gilmer and the Baha'i ChoirThe choir, whose members come from near and far, performs songs set to Baha'i scripture as well as sacred writings from the world’s religions. The all-embracing approach, a tenet of the Baha'i Faith, “brings together religions and celebrates God,” says Mr. Gilmer, whose style crosses racial and ethnic boundaries.

Like the Baha'i Faith itself, the House of Worship Choir’s members are a diverse group, representing a range of ethnicities and ages.

The diversity grew more apparent in May 2007, when close to 200 singers from throughout the country and Canada gathered at the House of Worship for the first-ever choral festival, which drew nearly 1,000 listeners and again in 2008 at the Second Annual Choral Music Festival.

The 2009 Choral Music Festival, which included choral music from the sacred writings of a variety of religious traditions, was held on May 21 - 24, 2009. Due to the tremendous response in previous years, there were two concerts on Sunday, May 24 at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  

The Fourth Annual Choral Music Festival will be held May 27-30, 2010. If you are interested in participating, write to Jeremy Pane at: jpane@usbnc.org or call: 847-853-2337 for more information.

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'Sacred Songs LIVE' I, II and III CDs available

CDs of songs recorded at the 2007, 2008 and 2009 Choral Music Festivals are available for purchase.

 
2008 'Sacred Songs II LIVE' CD and 2009 'Sacred Songs III LIVE' CD If you are interested in purchasing the CDs ($20/each) please send a check payable to the Baha’i Services Fund (earmarked “Music”) to:

Baha’i House of Worship
Music Department
100 Linden Ave.
Wilmette, IL 60091

You also may make arrangements to use a credit card to purchase the CD. Contact Jeremy Pane at the House of Worship at jpane@usbnc.org or 847-853-2337. The CDs feature close to 200 singers from throughout the United States and other countries singing sacred words from the Baha'i Faith and other religions set to music.   

'Sacred Songs LIVE' CD from 2007 available

A CD of songs recorded at the First Annual Baha’i Choral Music Festival in May 2007 is still available for purchase.

 
2007 'Sacred Songs LIVE' CD “Sacred Songs LIVE from the Baha’i House of Worship for the North American Continent, Wilmette, Illinois” features eight a cappella songs sung by approximately 200 singers from the United States and Canada. The festival was the largest choir concert ever held at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Ill. (Watch a brief video of the choir singing “Salvation Is Created.”)

Under the direction of Van Gilmer, music director for the Baha'i House of Worship, the choir sings Baha'i, Christian and Russian Orthodox pieces that range from classical to gospel. Many of the songs have never before been recorded. 

The CD, priced at $18, is available exclusively through the music department at the Baha’i House of Worship, 100 Linden St., Wilmette, IL 60091. Credit cards, money orders and checks (payable to Baha'i Services Fund and earmarked “Music”) are accepted.

The art of music is divine and effective. It is the food of the soul and spirit. Through the power and charm of music, the spirit of man is uplifted. It has wonderful sway and effect in the hearts of children, for their hearts are pure, and melodies have great influence in them. --Abdu'l-Baha