Worldfest Video

The Chicago Didjeridu Chorus is perhaps Chicagos largest acoustic tribal percussion ensemble, featuring the Australian Didjeridu as its centerpiece. The Didjeridu is an ancient Australian instrument that has been used by various indigenous tribes in the Northern region of Australia for at least 6,000 years. The culture from whence it comes is said to be 45,000 years old.

Founded by Tim Porcelli in 1991 as a Didjeridu Storytelling group, the Chicago Didjeridu Chorus has since grown to include handmade instruments from indigenous cultures around the world, including: Didjeridu (Australia), hand drums from Africa, India, Puerto Rico, Siberia, Cuba, Indonesia and the Middle East, Tibetan Singing Bowls, Balinese Temple Gong, various wooden flutes, the Kora (African Gourd Harp from Senegal), Tongue Drums (USA), Zithers (USA), Sitar, Tabla, Naal, Dholak (India) and a ever expanding variety of other percussion instruments.

The Chorus lineup at this point in time includes (in order of seniority): Tim Porcelli, Dragan Milovanovic, Dan Plovanich, Carl Pedigo, Catherine Myers, Bob DeVore, Kim DeVore, Steve Riddle, Jerry Sanders, Terry Reimer and Jim Cote.

In 2007 the Chorus began to integrate puppetry and dance, expanding the ensemble to include puppeteers, bellydancers, and visual choreographers. The Chorus premiered a combination of giant puppetry, animation and small puppet narrative at a landmark show at the Harris Theater in mid-summer 2007.

The Chorus is known for its improvisational expertise and is sure to entertain all who are drawn to the wide palette of musical rhythms and sounds they explore.