NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The Young Naperville Singers (YNS) will turn the Naperville Riverwalk into a concert stage on Tuesday, July 15, for a unique open-air performance joined by a special guest: professional jazz vocalist and YNS alumna Isabella Isherwood.
The free evening event promises a mix of classical and contemporary music, with Isherwood performing from a boat gliding along the river, accompanied at dusk by the choir’s young vocalists. The immersive setup aims to create a memorable, community-centered celebration of music and mentorship.
Celebrating Over 40 Years of Choral Excellence
The concert follows a successful spring season titled “Open Hands,” during which YNS held four major performances across Naperville — at Neuqua Valley High School and Wentz Concert Hall — showcasing all 11 of its choirs and nearly 500 singers from kindergarten through 12th grade.
As highlighted by the Daily Herald, the organization recently marked its 41st season, continuing a tradition launched in 1984 by founder Helen Grubbs. Today, under the artistic direction of Angie Johnson, YNS maintains its mission of choral excellence, education, and community connection.
A Pathway from Local Choir to Global Tours
Young Naperville Singers is more than a performance ensemble — it’s a developmental pathway for aspiring musicians. Beginning and intermediate choirs help youth hone skills that can lead to advanced touring opportunities. Groups like Bella Cantare and Canto Vivo travel both regionally and internationally.
Boys in grades 7 through 12 are featured in Canto Vivo, while other top ensembles such as Bella Voce, Ragazzi, and Cantabile embark on domestic tours. These opportunities are designed to enrich cultural understanding and strengthen musical collaboration.
Looking Ahead to Major Collaborations and Tours
YNS is already preparing for major future projects. Upcoming highlights include:
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A collaborative performance with Lyyra, the U.S. partner group of VOCES8
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The return of the ensemble Radius for the Boys Power Sing event
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The Sing & Celebrate festival for elementary voices at Wentz Hall in February 2026, after a brief hiatus
In addition, five YNS choirs are set to tour in summer 2026, with destinations to be announced later this year.
More information about YNS’s programs and events is available at ynschoirs.org.
Do you plan to attend the Riverwalk concert or have a story from your time in YNS? Share it at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and celebrate local voices.
