The Unity Temple Choir under the direction of Music Director Marty Swisher and accompanied by a 12-member orchestra performs Sunrise Mass by Ola Geilo on April 28, 2013. Following this symphonic choral work, Senior Minister Rev. Alan Taylor offers a benediction.

The Unity Temple Choir's performance of the Cantata 142 by Johan Kuhnau is preceeded by a reflection from Senior Minister Rev. Alan Taylor and introductory words from Unity Temple Music Director Marty Swisher. The choir, conducted by Marty Swisher, is accompanied by chamber orchestra and features Amanda Thomas, mezzo soprano, Burt Anderson, tenor, and Michael Swisher, baritone.

This special choral service from May 15, 2011 features a small orchestra, The Unity Temple Choir, and soloists. Under the direction of Music Director Marty Swisher, The Unity Temple Choir performs Requiem, by John Rutter, in its entirety. Soprano Audrey Cole sings the soloist movements with choral and instrumental support. Harpist Stephen Hartman, oboist Deb Stevenson, cellist William Cernota, timpanist/glockenspielist Jim Holland, flutist Jane Wood, and our own UT organist, Peter Storms, provide instrumentation for this enchanting music replete with tender, comforting melodies and dramatic expressions of hope and longing.

This service from December 12, 2010 presents a special musical offering of Three Nativity Carols by Stephan Paulus.  Performed by the Unity Temple Choir with an introduction by Marty Swisher, Unity Temple Choir Director, and accompanied by harpist Stephen Hartman and oboist Deb Stevenson, the carols preceed a brief homily delivered by Rev. Alan Taylor.

Musical reflections delivered by Marty Swisher, Unity Temple Choir Director, followed by the choir's performance of a 21st century musical setting of poems by Tennyson, Shelley, and Blake on May 9, 2010.

Sermon delivered by Christine Steyer on July 19, 2009. Christine became a member of UTUUC in 2008.  She is a lyric soprano who is primarily recognized in the field of opera.  Christine has received critical acclaim for her mature voice, artistry and acting, most notably in the title roles of La Traviata and Madama Butterfly and the role of the Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier.  In addition to a vast repertoire in the oratorio and recital genres, Christine has won prizes at major competitions and is featured on a CD of sacred music--a collaborative project with New York Times best-selling author Caroline Myss.  She is the Co-founder and Artistic Director of Bellissima Opera based in Oak Park and plans to initiate Bellissima Opera Outreach to schools this fall.  Christine is also an active member of numerous arts organizations.

On April 26, 2009, the Unity Temple Choir under the direction of Marty Swisher and accompanied by Tehra Hiolski performed Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, a five movement quasi-Requiem that includes elements from the traditional Latin Requiem combined with other Latin prayers that include reference to light.

Daniel Pinkham’s "Christmas Cantata" sung by The Unity Temple Choir & First United Church of Oak Park Choir accompanied by Tehra Hiolski and the Brass Ensemble, directed by Martha Swisher, UTUUC Music and Choir Director.

December 16, 2007

 

 

 

Readings, Music, and Sermon delivered by Matt Meyer on November 25, 2007.