The Wisconsin Master Chorale has brought people closer and has seen many struggles, bringing the members closer than ever, group members said. It has created a kind of harmony leading into this 15th year that may be most evident in the group’s performances.

“We sing with passion, and it’s the character of the people in it that are able to produce the sound,” said Bob Prosch, the chair of the Master Chorale. “It is because they have character and they have things in their background that have happened to them along the way that gives them the ability to sing.”

The public can bear witness when the Wisconsin Master Chorale presents two concerts in the area this weekend. One will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Wausau, and the second will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1300 Main St., Stevens Point.

The concerts will consist of “A Chorus of Alleluias” featuring such pieces as John Rutter’s “Gloria” for mixed voices with brass, percussion and organ. Rutter’s “Look at the World” will be presented jointly with the Master Chorale and the Choraliers Children’s Choir of Wausau.

Other selections include “Kyrie Eleison” by Tomas Luis de Victoria, “Hallelujah, Amen” by George Frederic Handel, “Introit for Easter” by Giovanni Gabrieli, “Christus Resurrexit” by Gordon Young, “Alleluia” by Ralph Manuel and “Chester” by William Billings.

The chorale formed when it split from Monteverdi Chorale in 2001. There have been multiple illnesses and deaths of members and this support has not wavered in spite of it.

Greg Bangstad, the first director, wanted to keep the name of “Master Chorale,” which is what Monteverdi means. He also wanted to sing more music from masters and well known musicians, hence the name Wisconsin Master Chorale.

Currently directing is Daniel Larson, who also conducts the Wausau Symphony and teaches music in Wausau. Prosch said Larson uses some of the same tricks as he uses with the kids to help them hit the notes just right.

One of these tricks is to bring up different commercials and imagery, for example the snuggle bear from the laundry detergent commercial helps them sing light and buoyant. Larson said when people stare down at the music they may not notice how heavy they sound.

The chorale is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that hopes to provide an aesthetic experience for their performers and audiences. They get money from ticket and CD sales, as well as member dues and donations.

 They perform many different musical styles and periods throughout the year at events ranging from weddings, funerals and concerts.

One of the weddings they performed in was Larson’s, who also met his wife through music. He had directed the “Sound of Music” and the cast was invited to join the chorale. The two ended up carpooling to and from rehearsals.

In 2003, the group had the opportunity to go to Montreal and Quebec City.

“We had a blast, it was just a group of people having fun. It was really, really nice. I wish we could go again sometime,” Prosch said.

Despite the international travels, Prosch and Vice Chair Nancy Schmitt said one of their favorite memories was when they performed in St. Mary’s Oratory in Wausau. St. Mary’s Oratory now has enough people to have its own choir.

When the church was renovated the chorale sang for seven hours as they blessed the church.

The chorale decided they wanted the people in charge to be people involved in the chorale, and decided to have chair and vice chair positions. General members nominate others they think would have the best interests in mind for the chorale and then they get elected in.

New members are also welcomed. They are welcome to come to a rehearsal and sing along with the choir and potentially place for a solo.

Along with Director Daniel Larson, members of the Master Chorale include:

Soprano: Bonnie Clark, Mary Hofer, Xuan Hu, Liz Kawleski, Sherry Larson, Sue LeGault, Bobbie Levine, Barb Towey;

Alto: Maxine Hogan, Megan Kramer, Sandy Orgish, Nancy Schmitt, Marlene Vircks, Sarah Andersen;

Tenor: Jerry Bellin, Bob LeGault, Bob Prosch, Larry Hansen, Eugene Xu;

Bass: Leo Jacoby, Barry Levine, Ian Robinson, Dan Bobzin.

Also accompanying the chorale during the concert will be trombonist David Farmer and trumpet players Casey Parker, Emily Schultz and Ben Sawyer.