Michael Shane Wittenburg; photo by Paul Gregory

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Morris Choral Society concludes its current season with their Spring Concert on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Morristown United Methodist Church on the Green. Entitled, "The Sublimely Ridiculous & The Ridiculously Sublime," the concert begins at 7:00pm.

The concert features “Oedipus Tex” by PDQ Bach with the addition of baritone Jonathan Green, returning to the Chorus for the third time, soprano Cassandra Douglas, mezzo-soprano Sarah Norton, and tenor Justin Gozalez. . Also on the bill is “Gloria” by Frances Poulenc featuring soprano Alexis Creggar. The program will also include performances by Express Male, an all-male vocal ensemble, and High Society, an all-female vocal group as well as a performance by this year’s MCS scholarship winner.

At this concert, the chorus will be accompanied by The Livingston Symphony Orchestra, the nonprofit organization in its 64^th season, offering symphonic experience for both professional and amateur musicians.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for children and are available for purchase online or by calling 973-723-6424.

MCS Director and Conductor Michael Shane Wittenburg is active with the metropolitan cultural landscape, engaging with many different esteemed companies such as the Young People’s Chorus of New York.  Maestro  Wittenburg holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester and the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga and has studied with several prestigious teachers.

The piano accompanist for MCS is Jennifer Yang, who has been the organist and accompanist for the Morristown United Methodist Church for almost 10 years. An award-winner, she is much in demand, playing solo recitals, chamber music concerts, and choir concerts around the world.

Wittenburg, captivates audiences worldwide with his exceptional artistry. Hailed as a 'real virtuoso' by the late Ruth Laredo, Maestro Wittenburg's international acclaim soared with his mesmerizing European debut at the Romanian National Theater of Opera and Ballet, where he conducted Puccini's 'Turandot' to resounding praise. Embracing the vibrant pulse of New York City's cultural scene, he fervently engages with esteemed companies, elevating performances with his dynamic presence.

As the Director of the Morris Choral Society, Wittenburg enriches the cultural landscape with unparalleled talent and vision, fostering musical excellence with each meticulously crafted note. His dedication extends beyond the concert hall, as he nurtures young talents at The Elizabeth Faidley Studio, imparting wisdom and igniting musical passions for over a decade. His collaborative spirit knows no bounds, as evidenced by his memorable recitals alongside luminaries such as Metropolitan Opera soprano Stella Zambalis, violinist Livia Sohn, and Orpheus Ensemble oboist Gerard Reuter. Through his collaborations with Orpheus and beyond, he has shared the stage with a constellation of virtuosos, including Carolyn Widmann, Pekka Kuusisto, Stefan Jakiw, Midori, Sarah Chang, and Lisa Batiashvili, to name a few.

Notably, Wittenburg's artistic journey has taken him to esteemed opera companies in Nashville, Orlando, and Sarasota, where he has served as an assistant conductor and vocal coach, leaving an indelible mark with 66 performances of Andrew Duncan's enchanting children's opera, "The Ugly Duckling." Among his recent triumphs, Wittenburg conducted a spellbinding live performance in New York City, subsequently broadcast on Kosovo television in honor of that country’s Independence anniversary. Wittenburg's most influential mentors include Michael Jinbo at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors or Orchestral Musicians, David Effron, and Henry Charles Smith. With each endeavor, Michael Shane Wittenburg continues to illuminate the world with his passion, talent, and unwavering commitment to the transformative power of music.

The Morris Choral Society has two purposes: to make available to all Morris area residents varied choral music programs and to give residents an opportunity to perform in a choral organization. New members are accepted twice a year by audition, in September and in January.

The Morris Choral Society is funded 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. Additional funding has also been provided by the Masterwork Music and Art Foundation and individual donations.