"Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish is a diverse Catholic community of faith in East Lakeview. In union with the local and universal Church, we seek to glorify God by responding to the Gospel and promoting the human person through the celebration of the Eucharist, religious education and formation, and service programs. We care for and empower people to grow as individuals and as a community in the life and love of Jesus Christ."

Music has always played an important role in the liturgical life of the parish, a tradition which continues and flourishes to this day.

Under the leadership of our late Music Director William Ferris, the congregation has had an opportunity to worship with music from the rich heritage of the Western Church. Polyphony and Gregorian Chant are sung along with works of 18th and 19th century masters as well as contemporary composers, a tradition which continues under the leadership of our current Music Director.

The Sunday afternoon liturgies feature contemporary song accompanied by piano and diverse musical instruments. The liturgical year at Our Lady of Mount Carmel is filled with voices and instruments making a joyful noise to the Lord!

Our Organs
The historic E. M. Skinner pipe organ in Mount Carmel Church was built in 1928 by the prestigious E. M. Skinner Organ Company and was one of the last installations to be personally supervised by Skinner himself. Particularly noted for its large scale pipes and extensive tonal range, the 54 rank three manual organ has been restored to its original magnificence by the firm of Fabry Pipe Organs, Inc. The restoration was significant in that the instrument was not altered, but rather returned to its original tonal specifications, and as such is one of the very few unaltered Skinner instruments in existence.

In November of 1987, as the result of a bequest from Helen Kellogg, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church acquired a mechanical action pipe organ built especially for them by one of the world's premiere organ builders, Visser-Rowland Associates of Houston, Texas. From its splendid design and hand carved casework to its exquisite tonal specifications, it reflects the genius of master craftsman Pieter Visser. The individual stops, under low wind pressure, allow for a wide range of expression. The sweet flutes and singing principal are crowned by a brilliant copper trumpet.

William Ferris Chorale
Celebrating its 36th anniversary in the 2007-08 season, the William Ferris Chorale continues its daring exploration of the music of our times. In its pioneering efforts to foster a greater awareness and appreciation for important 20th century choral music, the Chorale has established a vital leadership role in Chicago's thriving musical community. Introducing audiences to significant contemporary works through Composer Festival concerts, week-long celebrations with the composer in residence, is a Chorale hallmark.
The Chorale's very first compact disc recording, Let the Organs Thunder received the Chorus! award for the best choral CD of 1989. In 1991, New World Records issued the Chorale's world premiere recording of Leo Sowerby's cantata Forsaken of Man. The Chorale has recorded extensively on their own label, WFC Live! CRI recently released their performances of John Corigliano's choral music and Albany Records Leo Sowerby's The Throne of God and William Ferris' Angels: a miracle play for singers, actors and instruments.

Visit our web site to access a complete, printable listing of choral selections for the Liturgical Year, get full details about William Ferris Chorale current season, and order their recordings.

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