Former Metropolitan Opera chorus master Donald Palumbo is set to become the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s next chorus director.

Palumbo will become the third in the choir’s 67-year history and will begin his initial three-year term in July.

Palumbo will prepare the Chicago Symphony Chorus for the first time as Chorus Director for its July 18 Ravinia Festival performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, and he will prepare the Chorus as guest chorus director for four performances of Verdi’s “Requiem.”

In a statement, he said, “I am extremely honored to have been chosen to lead this prestigious group of musicians.  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 recently ended his tenure at the Met, where he served from 2007 to 2024, helping turn the chorus into one of the most revered in the world. He has also served as chorus master at the Lyric Opera of Chicago from 1991 to 2007.

In a statement to the New York Times, Jeff Alexander, the Chicago Symphony’s president, “We knew this would be the ideal choice to build on the legacy of this award-winning ensemble.”

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