A member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus since 1983, alto Diane Busko Bryks is a Chicago native. She studied at the Chicago Conservatory College of Music.
What work(s) this season are you are most looking forward to performing, and why?
I love the French music programmed for this season! I was especially eager to sing the Poulenc Gloria and the rarely heard Gounod St. Cecilia Mass with Maestro Altinoglu, someone I have never worked with before. As always, I look forward to the season-closing concerts, this season, Rossini and Mozart with Maestro Muti!
Who is/are your favorite composer(s), and why?
My favorites are too many to name! I love Mozart for the sheer beauty and wit, Bach for the structure and intricacy, and Shostakovich for the emotion and rhythmic excitement. I love early music, but also enjoy the innovative ideas and sonorities of new music.
Was there a specific moment or experience during which you first connected with choral singing?
My first connections with choral singing happened during high school. My voice teacher, the late Alice Stephens, always formed ensembles with her students, adding a choral dimension to voice recitals. She also filtered her voice students into local choral groups, which led to my personal participation in the Lira Singers and the Lithuanian Opera Company. My connection with Alice Stephens also led to my enrollment in the Chicago Conservatory College of Music.
What is your most memorable Chicago Symphony Chorus performance or experience?
I so love the opportunities to perform with world-class musicians in the orchestra, on the podium and guest soloists. Some of my most memorable CSC memories have been when the chorus and orchestra have traveled in the United States (New York, Washington) and to Europe (the Proms in London, Salzburg and Berlin), and the wonderful receptions we received!
Do you play another instrument or perform in non-classical vocal style or setting?
I teach general music at St. Francis Xavier School in LaGrange, and I am the music director at St. Mary of Celle Parish in Berwyn. It is a great privilege sharing my love of music with others.