BG Singers Celebrate 30 Years With Anniversary Concert Series in Buffalo Grove
BUFFALO GROVE, IL — The BG Singers, a community chorus that has been part of Buffalo Grove’s cultural fabric since 1995, will celebrate their 30th anniversary this September with a special concert series titled “Reprise: 30 Years of Song.” The performances take place at the Buffalo Grove Park District Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, on Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 20–21 at 3 p.m..
A Concert Built on Memories
Led by longtime conductor and director Linda Rosen and choreographer/assistant director Charla Silver, the BG Singers developed the anniversary program by asking audiences and members to vote on their favorite selections from the group’s history. From a repertoire of 570 songs, the list was narrowed down to 75 finalists, with top vote-getters shaping the setlist.
Beloved pieces such as “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” “Seasons of Love,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and a medley from West Side Story will be featured. The only new addition is a medley from Wicked, giving the show a balance of nostalgia and fresh energy.
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Ensemble
The BG Singers began as a Buffalo Grove Park District initiative to add more arts programming to the community. “It was our fervent hope that we would get maybe 25 people who wanted to sing,” Rosen recalled.
Three decades later, the ensemble has grown to 65 members, including five original participants — Rosen, Lynne Schneider, Robin Axel, Barb Quinlan, and Bruce Bohrer. Remarkably, about 75% of the singers have been with the group for more than 20 years, a testament to the sense of community the chorus has fostered.
Giving Back Through Song
Instead of fundraising for their anniversary year, the BG Singers launched “30 Acts of Kindness for 30 Years of Song.” Members have volunteered with organizations such as Heartland Rescue, Shoes 4 Soles, Bernie’s Book Bank, Center for Enriched Living, Vernon Township Food Pantry, and Feed My Starving Children.
Over the years, the group has also donated instruments to hospitals, collected sheet music for schools, and contributed to hurricane relief efforts. “Our mission is to not only entertain, but to help others,” Rosen said. “It’s not all about the music. It’s all about the sense of community through song.”
Ticket Information
Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and children under 12. They are available online at bgsingers.org or in person at the Alcott Center, 530 Bernard Drive.
Why It Matters
For Buffalo Grove, the BG Singers are more than just a chorus — they are a community institution. Their 30th anniversary concerts celebrate not only the music but also the friendships, volunteerism, and cultural enrichment that have defined the group for three decades.
The BG Singers’ anniversary concert, “Reprise: 30 Years of Song,” promises to be a joyful trip down memory lane for audiences and performers alike. For more updates on local music events, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.