Among Jonathan Hall's musical gifts is his beautiful singing voice. Since childhood, he
has loved to sing, and has honed that talent with intensive study and practice. He
studied voice with Bruce Tammen in Chicago and Mary Ann Hart in Bloomington,
Indiana. He has appeared as a soloist and sung in major ensemble performances.
Most recently, on Low Sunday (April 11), 2010, Hall sang "The Trumpet Shall
Sound" from Messiah; joining West Point trumpeter Steve Luck on piccolo
trumpet and Amy Luck on piano.
Among the major works he has sung as chorus member are:
Beethoven, Ninth Symphony, tenor and bass choral parts
Beethoven, Mass in C, opus 86
Haydn, The Creation
Bach, Magnificat in D
Bach, Mass in B Minor
Schütz, Seven Last Words
Duruflé and Fauré Requiems
Mahler, Second Symphony
Bruckner, Psalm 150
Brucker, Mass in E Minor
Britten, Rejoice in the Lamb
Palestrina, Missa Brevis
Vaughn Williams, Mass in G Minor
Brubeck, Gates of Justice, Fiesta de las Posadas (choral preparation and singing)
Stainer, The Crucifixion
He has sung solo and in small ensemble as well.
In 1987, he sang the lead role of Robin Oakapple in the centennial production of
Ruddigore, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chicago. He has sung in the chorus of
more amateur and semi-professional Broadway and G&S musicals than he can
conveniently list.
Starting in 1988, Hall began to assume serious choral directing responsibilities, and his
active solo and choral singing has correspondingly lessened. Much of his work has
been with volunteer ensembles, who look to him as a kindly and enjoyable teacher and
friend. However, he continues to sing on occasion.
More recently, he has sung significantly from the historic plainchant repertoire,
including the Lenten introits, the Lamentations, the Martyrology of Christmas, the
Sequences, and others. He has sung the Exsultet on many a Holy Saturday.
That's the "unsung story" of an organist who's also a fine baritone!