Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 09/05/2023
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Morris Choral Society (MCS) will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 3:00pm with a concert at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (70 Maple Avenue) in Morristown. This season has Michael Shane Wittenburg returning as Music Director and Jennifer Yang continuing as pianist for the Chorus.
The Holiday Concert will recreate the some of the music of their initial performance as a chorus which grew out of fund raising for the United Methodist Church on the Green in Morristown and the celebration in honor of the 25th anniversary of the State of Israel all in 1973. Since its founding 50 years ago, the community-based chorus has performed annually in the area as well as in Europe several times.
As always, the Morris Choral Society has an open call for new singers to attend the weekly rehearsal which is held Monday evenings in the Frelinghuysen Middle School, 10 Jane Way, in Morris Plains. The rehearsals begin at 7:30pm and dues remain at $150.00 per year. After the rehearsals, newcomers will be asked to stay for a brief tryout. The first rehearsal will be on Monday, September 11.
New this year, the chorus will form a women’s ensemble to serve as a complement to the popular Express Male, a sextet created in 2011 as an independent all-male vocal group. The women’s group has yet to be named, but will be a select, permanent vocal ensemble which will also perform as part of the Chorus.
Michael Wittenburg is the sixth Music Director in the organization’s long history and is an accomplished musician and conductor. Hailed as a “real virtuoso” by the great classical pianist Ruth Loredo, Mr. Wittenburg is active with many organizations. In addition to his leadership for the Morris Choral Society, he has served as music director for the Elite Academy of Strings and with Opera companies in Nashville, Orlando and Sarasota. He is very much in demand as a guest artist which keeps him extremely busy.
A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, Mr. Wittenburg earned degrees from the Eastman School of Music and from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He was awarded the Osher Scholar Prize from the internationally known Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestral Musicians where he studied with Michael Jinbo.
Under the direction of Mr. Wittenburg, The Morris Choral Society is a National Finalist for the American Prize in Community Choral Performance for 2023. The winner should be announced soon.
Pianist Jennifer Yang returns as accompanist for MCS this season. An accomplished pianist and organist, she holds degrees from Yonsei University in South Korea and from the Westminster Choir College in Princeton. She performs solo recitals, chamber concerts, and choir concerts around the world and serves as the organist for the Morristown United Methodist Church on the Green.
Morris Choral Society is funded in part by Morris Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. MCS has a Go Fund Me page to raise money for this season and to honor Wayne Walters for creating the chorus.
The Morris Choral Society (MCS), founded in 1973, is one of Northern New Jersey's oldest and most active and beloved not-for-profit arts organizations dedicated to enhancing community life by performing and presenting the highest quality choral repertoire from the last three centuries.
Since the start, MCS has dedicated itself to the residents of Morris County and has played a significant role in Northern New Jersey's artistic community, nominated by its peers for the 2018 New Jersey People's Choice Award, Choral Group Division.
Traditionally each performance season includes two major concerts as well as several concert appearances at many of Morristown's annual celebrations: Independence Day, the 911 Observance, Holiday Festival on the Green and First Night.
You can have your events appear here,
whenever someone reads an article about
Morristown
click here for more information
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
