As winter settles over New Jersey, the state’s choral arts scene invites music lovers to celebrate the holiday season with some of the finest vocal performances the Garden State has to offer. From December 6 through December 21, four leading choral ensembles will take the stage in Morristown and beyond, delivering programs that blend tradition, innovation, and community engagement. These concerts provide a rich musical experience for seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike, offering a chance to enjoy holiday classics, international carols, and modern compositions performed with precision and passion.
The festive season begins with the Somerset Hills Chorus, led by the accomplished Stephen Sands, performing on Saturday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown. The ensemble’s program features a captivating selection of Christmas music, anchored by Francis Poulenc’s Gloria, performed with organ, brass, and soprano soloist Kristin Sands. Known for its dynamic range and expressive musicality, the chorus will also offer audience favorites including sing-along carols and a show-stopping finale arranged by Ryan Brandau. Founded in 2010, the Somerset Hills Chorus is dedicated to helping singers of all experience levels improve their skills while performing extraordinary repertoire in exceptional venues across the region. Their holiday concerts have become a cherished tradition, blending musical excellence with accessibility for audiences of all ages.
Following this, the Morris Choral Society will present Home for the Holidays: Winter’s Many Moods at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14 at Morristown’s Methodist Church on the Green. Under the direction of Michael Wittenburg, this performance offers a diverse collection of choral music from around the world. The program highlights works by composers including Dave Brubeck, Robert Shaw, Handel, Rachmaninov, David Lance, and Betty Bertaux, reflecting both classical and contemporary influences. The concert also features performances by the women’s treble ensemble High Society and the men’s vocal group Express Male, along with special guest artists. Audiences can look forward to the popular sing-along, an interactive component that brings the festive spirit directly to attendees, creating a sense of community and shared celebration. Since its founding, the Morris Choral Society has provided both residents and visiting audiences with high-quality performances and opportunities for local singers to participate in professional-caliber choral music.
On the same weekend, Harmonium Choral Society, one of New Jersey’s premier 100-voice ensembles, presents Season of Blessings at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown on Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. Directed by Dr. Anne Matlack, Harmonium is renowned for its eclectic programming, blending traditional Renaissance polyphony with contemporary premieres, bluegrass harmonies, and works accompanied by chamber orchestra. The concert highlights the East Coast premiere of Prayer to the Shechiniah by Andrea Clearfield, as well as Václav Nelhỳbel’s Estampie Natalis, and features pieces by Palestrina, Bach, Nunes Garcia, Carol Barnett, Alice Parker, and Craig Courtney’s playful Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas. Harmonium has been recognized for its innovative approach to choral performance, including commissioning new works and sponsoring a high school composition contest for more than twenty-five years—a program that won the prestigious Chorus America Education and Outreach Award.
Beyond the main concert, a subset of the chorus performs in schools and senior living facilities, extending the reach of high-quality choral music into the wider community. Harmonium will also be part of First Night Morris on December 31 with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., closing out the year with energy and elegance.
The holiday series concludes with the Masterwork Chorus presenting the iconic Handel Messiah at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21 at the Concert Hall at Drew University. Under the baton of Martin Sedek, this full-orchestra performance includes four celebrated soloists and the chorus performing one of the few complete renditions of Messiah offered in New Jersey this season.
Golden Circle ticket holders are invited to a pre-concert champagne reception, offering a sophisticated start to a deeply moving musical experience. Since its founding in 1955, the Masterwork Chorus has been a central figure in the state’s musical landscape, performing high-caliber choral works in New Jersey and New York, and partnering with the Masterwork Orchestra and renowned soloists to elevate every major concert. The performance of Messiah is particularly notable, as it provides both a historical and contemporary lens into the work, combining Baroque grandeur with modern choral clarity and expressive energy.
These concerts are made possible with generous support from Morris Arts, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, and the New Jersey Cultural Trust, demonstrating a statewide commitment to enriching local communities through the performing arts. Beyond these major ensembles, New Jersey is home to a thriving network of musical organizations, ensembles, and choral societies, offering year-round performances that cater to all ages and musical tastes. For audiences looking to explore more seasonal music offerings, the music scene in New Jersey is filled with opportunities to discover concerts, sing-alongs, and holiday-themed programs throughout the state.
Attending these performances is not only a celebration of the season but also an opportunity to experience the exceptional talent, dedication, and creativity of New Jersey’s choral community. From the intimate and reflective harmonies of Harmonium to the full orchestral power of Masterwork Chorus, these concerts provide a range of musical experiences, all highlighting the transformative power of live music. Audiences can expect the unexpected—from playful twists on traditional carols to premieres of contemporary works—making each performance a unique event in its own right.
Whether you are a lifelong fan of choral music or seeking a festive outing for family and friends, the “Welcome the Holidays with Song” series represents the pinnacle of New Jersey’s seasonal musical offerings. With stunning venues, world-class ensembles, and a carefully curated mix of repertoire, these performances promise to leave audiences with lasting memories and a renewed sense of holiday spirit. By attending these concerts, residents and visitors alike can celebrate tradition, support the local arts community, and immerse themselves in the joy and beauty of live holiday music.
For more information and to purchase tickets for all of these concerts in one place, visit the music page to discover performances, schedule details, and ways to explore the rich choral landscape of New Jersey this holiday season.
