Chicago Classical Review

Donald Palumbo has been chosen chorus director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, a post that has been vacant since 2022, the orchestra announced Tuesday. He is only the third chorus director in the ensemble’s 67-year history following founder Margaret Hillis (1957-1994) and Duain Wolfe (1994-2022). 

“I am extremely honored to have been chosen to lead this prestigious group of musicians,” said Palumbo in a statement released by the CSO. “I have admired their work since my arrival in Chicago in 1991, when I first met Margaret Hillis and attended many performances by the Chorus. My recent work with them in preparing programs for Maestro Muti was a high point in my artistic life, and I’m excited about future collaborations with Maestro Mäkelä. 

“They have set the gold standard for choral singing through their vocal and musical skills, and by their commitment to excellence in every rehearsal and performance. I look forward to our collaboration in continuing the rich legacy of the Chorus.”

Palumbo, 76, is widely credited with reviving the fortunes of the Metropolitan Opera chorus, where he was chorus master for 17 seasons from 2007 until his retirement last year. Prior to that he held the same post with the Lyric Opera of Chicago from 1991 to 2007.

Palumbo was the unanimous choice of the search committee and had some heavy podium backing for the position as well. At the conclusion of his performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis in 2023, Riccardo Muti was clearly delighted with Palumbo’s work as guest chorus director—bringing him out on stage for every bow and expressing his desire in an onstage speech that Palumbo should become the CSO’s next chorus director.

Palumbo’s three-year contract begins July 1 and his first official assignment will be Mahler’s “Resurrection” symphony at Ravinia this summer. 

Prior to that, Palumbo will prepare the Chicago Symphony Chorus later this month for music director emeritus Muti’s season-ending concerts of Verdi’s Requiem. 

In the 2025-26 season, Palumbo directs the chorus for performances of Mozart’s Requiem, Italian opera choruses (with Muti) and Poulenc’s Gloria, as well as the  “Merry, Merry Chicago” holiday concerts. 

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