Collegium Cantorum Polonia Choir is a Polish-American volunteer choir founded in Chicago, consisting of approximately 35 voices, children, youth, and adults, united through their passion for singing. Collegium Cantorum Polonia Choir was created on the basis of a parish choir founded in 1993 at the Holy Trinity Polish Catholic Church in Chicago. Over the years, the choir has grown into a group representing Polish community in the Chicago area and abroad.
The choir actively participates in the cultural life of the Polish and American communities throughout the United States. Collegium Cantorum works closely with the St. Ferdinand Parish, Holy Trinity Polish Mission in Chicago, and Saint John Brebeuf Parish, as well as with Polish American organizations cultivating Polish traditions.
The group takes part in numerous music projects promoting Polish culture and musical heritage. In 2012, the group collaborated with the Chicago Symphony Chorus under the direction of the world-famous conductor, Sir Gilbert Levine, performing Bogurodzica, the oldest Polish religious anthem, during a special concert on the first anniversary of the beatification of John Paul II.
The choir presents choral works in concert halls and cathedrals throughout the United States and Europe. In 2018, during the tour in Italy, Collegium Cantorum had a privilege to perform in the Vatican during the general audience with Pope Francis and provided the musical setting for the celebration of the Holy Mass at the Tomb of St. John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Choir performed carol concerts with the most famous Polish folk band Golec uOrkiestra during the band’s tour in the United States.
The repertoire of the choir includes various music genres including the following: religious and secular, a cappella, with instrumental accompaniment, Polish, American and world music, from Renaissance to contemporary works. Collegium Cantorum Polonia is led by Eliza and Arkadiusz Gorecki, graduates of the Warsaw Academy of Music, Paris Conservatory of Music, Lodz Academy of Music, and Roosevelt University of Chicago.