The Morris Choral Society (MCS), one of New Jersey’s premier choral ensembles, has announced its Spring 2026 concert and is inviting singers of all ages and backgrounds to audition for upcoming performances. Rehearsals are scheduled every Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Morris Plains, giving local vocalists an opportunity to join a vibrant community dedicated to choral excellence.
This year’s Spring program, slated for Saturday, May 16, at St. Mary’s Abbey at Delbarton in Morris Township, will feature a performance of Brahms’ Requiem in the original German under the direction of Music Director Michael Shane Wittenburg. MCS is known for its diverse repertoire, spanning traditional favorites like Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Orff’s Carmina Burana, to contemporary works from composers such as John Rutter and the whimsical PDQ Bach, offering something for every music enthusiast.
Auditions are open to anyone interested in joining the ensemble. Prospective singers are encouraged to attend rehearsals in January, specifically on the 12th, 19th, and 26th at 7:30 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 131 Mountain Way, Morris Plains. Questions or requests to schedule an audition can be directed to mcssingers@gmail.com or by calling 973-723-6424.
Under the leadership of Wittenburg, who has been celebrated internationally for his conducting and praised as a “real virtuoso” by the late Ruth Laredo, the Morris Choral Society continues to elevate the cultural landscape of the region. Wittenburg’s credentials include a European debut conducting Puccini’s Turandot at the Romanian National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, and advanced training from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He studied under esteemed conductors including Henry Charles Smith, David Effron, and Michael Jinbo.
Accompanying the ensemble is Jennifer Yang, an accomplished organist and pianist with more than a decade of experience at the Morristown United Methodist Church. Yang is recognized internationally for her solo recitals, chamber music performances, and collaborations with choral ensembles.
Funding for the Morris Choral Society is supported in part by Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by the Masterwork Foundation. The organization also welcomes public donations via credit card or PayPal through its website.
The Morris Choral Society’s mission is twofold: to offer residents of the Morris area access to diverse choral music programs and to provide a platform for singers to perform in a collaborative, high-quality ensemble. New members are accepted twice yearly, in September and January, ensuring a continual infusion of talent and energy into the group.
For those eager to explore local music and participate in an engaging artistic community, information on tickets, upcoming performances, and the audition process is available through Explore New Jersey’s music section, as well as the Morris Choral Society’s official site. This Spring concert promises an inspiring evening of choral artistry, marking another highlight in the region’s vibrant musical calendar.
