Music and choirs

Making music to the glory of God.

Music is an important part of our life together in Christ at Grace Church. 

Music at Grace.

Everyone in our community has a voice as we sing hymns together in worship. The Lutheran chorale tradition holds an important place in our hymnody, along with other hymn traditions and new hymns from the recent past. Our voices unite with Christians around the world as we praise God with song.

Worship services at Grace also include outstanding music from choirs, organ, handbells, and vocal and instrumental soloists. Cantor Michael D. Costello leads the music ministry, continuing a long-established tradition of musical excellence at Grace.

Monthly Bach Cantata Vespers are an important part of the musical life of Grace Church. In addition Grace’s sanctuary often hosts performances by other Chicago-area musical organizations.

More about Bach Cantata Vespers

One of the things that drew us to Grace was the incredible music. My mom, when she comes to Grace, talks about how the congregation is almost like another choir. It adds another wonderful component to worship. 

Stephanie, Grace member

Parish Choir

This all-volunteer mixed-voice ensemble sings at the service most Sundays from September through May. The Parish Choir also sings for festival services and the monthly Bach Cantata Vespers. The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (7:45 p.m. during Advent and Lent).

The Parish Choir is directed by Grace’s Cantor, Michael Costello. Singers from outside the Grace congregation are welcome to join and participate. Previous choral or musical experience is helpful.

More information

School choirs

Grace School students participate in choir as part of the music curriculum, singing for congregational worship services several times during the school year. School choirs also sing for school chapel services and other musical events. Students in grades 7-8 may choose to be part of the school handbell ensemble. All of these groups rehearse during the school day.

The Children’s Christmas Eve Services, at 4:15pm and 6pm on December 24, are one of the highlights of children’s music-making at Grace. For these services, Grace Lutheran School students are joined by children from the Sunday School and confirmation classes at Grace. More than 150 children participate in the choirs for these services.

Grace Bells

The adult handbell ensemble rings up to five octaves of Whitechapel bells. This group is currently on a hiatus.

More information

The organ

The organ at Grace Church uplifts congregational worship and adapts well to the performance of historic and contemporary literature. The original E. M. Skinner instrument was installed in 1931 and updated in 1956 by the Schlicker Organ Company. Berghaus Pipe Organ Builders rebuilt the organ in 1986, revoicing the existing pipework and adding new ranks and a new console.

Organ specifications