The St. Xavier University Chorale
The Saint Xavier University Chorale is a mixed vocal ensemble that performs a wide variety of choral literature, encompassing the chants of Hildegard von Bingen, choral masterworks, and the music of contemporary composers. In addition to concert performances, the Chorale collaborates regularly with the Saint Xavier Opera Workshop course, sings on the annual Saint Xavier Music Department Christmas Concert, and performs at significant university events. Recent performances include Dido and Aeneas (Henry Purcell), Requiem (Gabriel Fauré), Ceremony of Carols (Benjamin Britten), and Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest (arr. Conrad Susa). The University Chorale membership includes Saint Xavier students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the community.
Laura Kempa Bogan
Laura Kempa Bogan, M.M., maintains an active career as a teacher, singer and conductor in the Chicago area. She serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, where she conducts the University Chorale, Chamber Singers, and teaches voice, conducting and choral methods. Also a dedicated church musician, Ms. Bogan is the choir director and organist at Immaculate Conception Parish in Highland Park, Ill., where she leads the choir in repertoire spanning chant and polyphony to the music of today’s composers of sacred music. Ms. Bogan remains an active choral singer as well, currently a member of the William Ferris Chorale and La Caccina, a professional women’s vocal ensemble. She has also appeared with the Chicago Choral Artists, Chicago Chorale and Lincoln Chamber Productions Ecclesia Choir in recent years. Her teachers include Drs. Ann Jones, Scott Jarrett, Paul Rardin, and Jerry Blackstone (conducting), Dr. Caroline Helton (voice) and Dr. James Kibbie and James R. Brown (organ). Ms. Bogan is a proud alumna of the University of Michigan (B.M. Choral Music Education) and Boston University (M.M. Choral Conducting).