The Morris Choral Society (MCS), a cornerstone of northern New Jersey’s musical landscape since 1973, continues to bring high-quality choral music to the region while offering local residents an opportunity to participate in a vibrant, community-based choir. Known for its diverse repertoire and engaging performances, MCS maintains a reputation as one of the area’s premier non-profit choral organizations.
Leadership and Artistic Direction
Guiding the Morris Choral Society is Music Director Michael Shane Wittenburg, an internationally acclaimed conductor, pianist, and educator. Hailed as a “real virtuoso” by the late Ruth Laredo, Wittenburg has performed across Europe and North America, including a critically praised European debut conducting Puccini’s Turandot at the Romanian National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. He brings a wealth of experience and artistic vision to every MCS performance.
Accompanying the chorus is Jennifer Yang, an award-winning pianist and organist. Yang serves as the society’s official accompanist and has a distinguished career performing solo recitals, chamber concerts, and choral works worldwide. The society’s organizational structure is supported by an Executive Board, currently led by President Elsie Donohue, ensuring strong governance alongside the artistic direction.
Chorus Structure and Repertoire
MCS encompasses more than its main ensemble, offering specialized groups for vocalists seeking additional performance opportunities. These include Express Male, an all-male ensemble, and High Society, the all-female ensemble. Together, these groups provide a platform for both traditional and innovative choral experiences.
The society’s repertoire spans centuries and genres, from classical masterpieces such as Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana to contemporary works by composers like John Rutter and the whimsical PDQ Bach. MCS frequently collaborates with guest soloists and orchestras, including the Livingston Symphony Orchestra, and has shared the stage with luminaries such as Judy Collins and the late jazz pianist Dave Brubeck.
Community Engagement and Membership
The Morris Choral Society maintains a strong commitment to community involvement. New members are accepted through auditions twice a year, in September and January, providing opportunities for singers of all ages and backgrounds to join. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at Trinity Lutheran Church in Morris Plains, where participants refine their vocal skills and experience the camaraderie of ensemble singing.
For those exploring a musical path, MCS also sponsors an annual scholarship for New Jersey residents pursuing vocal performance or related studies. Funding for the society comes from Morris Arts, supported by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, as well as the Masterwork Music and Art Foundation and contributions from individual donors. Donations can be made via credit card or PayPal through the MCS website.
Upcoming Performance
The chorus is preparing for its holiday program on December 14, 2025, at Morristown United Methodist Church, featuring a rich mix of works by Robert Shaw, Dave Brubeck, and Rachmaninov. This seasonal concert is a highlight of the society’s annual calendar, blending traditional choral classics with dynamic contemporary pieces that appeal to audiences of all ages.
How to Join
Prospective singers can attend a trial rehearsal during the audition month to allow the music director to evaluate vocal abilities and compatibility with the ensemble. While prior choral experience is preferred, the society values a singer’s ability to blend with the choir. Sight-singing is not required for entry, making the ensemble accessible to a wide range of talented performers. To arrange an audition, individuals can contact the Morris Choral Society at 973-723-6424. Rehearsals take place at Trinity Lutheran Church, 131 Mountain Way, Morris Plains, New Jersey, on Monday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Here is what you can expect from the process:
- Trial period: Interested singers are invited to attend a rehearsal with the ensemble during the audition month. This allows the music director, Michael Shane Wittenburg, to assess your vocal abilities and determine if you are a good fit for the chorus.
- Requirements:
- Prior experience: You should have some choral singing experience.
- Blending voice: The ability to blend with the rest of the choir is an important quality the director looks for.
- Sight-singing: In the past, the ability to sight-sing was not a requirement.
- How to start: To arrange an audition, you should contact the Morris Choral Society directly. A phone number (973-723-6424) was published for the September 2025 auditions.
- Where and when: Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Morris Plains
With over 50 years of excellence, the Morris Choral Society remains a vital part of New Jersey’s cultural landscape, fostering both artistic growth and community connection through the joy of choral music. Those interested in learning more or purchasing tickets for upcoming performances can visit Explore New Jersey Music and the MCS website at www.morrischoralsociety.org
