Mission
Anima’s mission is to provide experiences of excellence through choral singing that enliven and shape young lives. Predicated on the principle that all children are inherently musical and that music vitally enriches the quality of life, Anima strives to discover, nurture and develop the “artist in every child.”
History
The Chorus has been an artistic and educational model across North America for decades. Serving the Chicagoland area since 1964, Anima is widely recognized for musical excellence, an innovative educational philosophy, and outreach programs that bring rich educational and cultural opportunities to children who would not otherwise have such experiences.
The Chorus grew to international prominence under the musical direction of Dr. Doreen Rao. Anima maintains this world-class reputation by creating innovative concerts, commissioning new repertoire from major composers, and demonstrating that young people are capable of extraordinary accomplishments when given extraordinary leadership and vision.
Emily Ellsworth accepted the artistic leadership in 1996, bringing with her over 20 years of vocal performance and teaching experience and a warm, spirited style. Ms. Ellsworth is frequently in demand internationally as a guest conductor, has been chosen to serve on the National Endowment for the Arts' Music Panel, was awarded the YWCA's Outstanding Leader in Arts and Culture Award in 1999, and serves as the editor for the Opera Workshop choral series for Boosey & Hawkes.
Anima performs frequently with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) at Chicago's Symphony Center, with the Grant Park Orchestra at Millennium Park and with the Lyric Opera at the Civic Opera House. The Chorus has participated in four Grammy Award-winning recordings with the CSO, and has performed under such eminent conductors as Bernard Haitink, the late Sir Georg Solti, Christoph Eschenbach, Daniel Barenboim, James Levine, Claudio Abbado. Anima has toured extensively throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, South Africa, England, Spain and Morocco.
Because Anima welcomes all children who love to sing, the organization will provide financial aid to cover tuition and expenses for those in need.
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Programs
The six core ensembles serve approximately 250 children from Kindergarten through twelfth grade each week: Treble, Concert and Touring ensembles range from third through twelfth grades and Anima Kid Singers includes Kindergarten/first grade and Prep Choir is a once a week program for second and third graders. Chamber Ensemble is chosen from the Touring group.
Annual outreach programs touch an additonal 1000 students and include:
- Honors Chorus SingFest – a day of music making with a guest clinician for music educators and students across the four-county Chicagoland area
- School Exchanges – performances/workshops by Anima ensembles offered free for local schools
- Exodus – free music education program shared with recent immigrants in District 41 schools
- Boys Only! Bash – program designed to promote growth and friendship among boys who like to sing
Honors and Distinctions
For decades, Anima has served as a leader and model for choral music education. Anima was the first children's chorus funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Illinois Arts Council. And Anima continues to be the only such organization supported by the NEA and IAC for over 20 years.
The Chorus has performed with the most acclaimed conductors and the most renowned symphony orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
In recognition of high artistic caliber, Anima has received many awards including:
- US Library of Congress Local Legacy Award
- ASCAP Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming
- Illinois Alliance for Arts in Education's Service Recognition Award
- Glen Ellyn Jaycees On the Map Award for bringing international recognition to the village of Glen Ellyn, Illinois
- YWCA's Outstanding Leader in Arts and Culture Award to Artistic Director Emily Ellsworth
- ABBY Award for Arts Management Excellence from the Arts and Business Council of Chicago
- Four Grammy awards for outstanding collaborations with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
- Chorus America's Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence
- Chorus America's Dale Warland Singers Commission Award