Downers Grove Choral Society

Downers Grove Choral Society is a community chorus and volunteer nonprofit organization with members from the surrounding Chicago suburbs.  DGCS provides our members the opportunity to achieve excellence in the performance of worthy choral music. We provide audiences in the greater Chicago area the opportunity to hear quality performances of a wide variety of choral repertoire. We proudly anchor ourselves in Downers Grove and are dedicated to the performance of outstanding choral music, has been giving concerts in the western suburbs of Chicago since 1959, over 65 years!

Originally named the Downers Grove Oratorio Society, DGCS was formed in 1959 by Thelma Roe Milnes and Donald Drew. For many years prior to this time, a tradition existed to perform Handel’s Messiah annually in the churches of Downers Grove. DGCS was founded to perpetuate this tradition, to allow for performances of additional major choral works, and to encourage all singers in the community to participate in programs of choral excellence.

Since its founding in 1959, DGCS has earned a reputation for excellence, and has developed a loyal following in the community.