About the Chorus

The mission of the Omaha Symphonic Chorus is to enrich the community with the highest quality of live choral music, to promote fellowship and artistic growth among its singers, and to inspire a broad audience with performances spanning the diverse spectrum of music for large chorus.

"I don't know if it is a spiritual, physiological or psychological phenomenon, but I believe now more than ever that singing is a universal, built-in mechanism designed to cultivate empathy and compassion."

-Eric Whitacre

The history of the Omaha Symphonic Chorus

OSC is proud of its long tradition of choral excellence. Founded in 1946 as the Apollo Club by the Dean of the College of Music at the University of Omaha, the Chorus was incorporated as a non-profit organization in August, 1971.

The Omaha Symphonic Chorus sings music of all genres and periods. Classical or contemporary, accompanied or a cappella, towering masterpieces or international folk traditions, all styles are represented in OSC’s diverse repertoire. Performing 3 to 5 concerts in a typical season, the 90 voice ensemble is augmented or reduced to meet the needs of the selected program. Chorus members come from all walks of life and are selected annually by audition.

Throughout the years, OSC has been led by a succession of distinguished directors including the noted composer/arranger John Miller; Bruce Hangen, former artistic director of the Omaha Symphony; Craig Jessop, former conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; and Dr. Cina Crisara, former chorus master of Opera Omaha; and most recently, Dr. Greg Zielke, former Professor of Music and Music Program Director at Grace University and current Arts Director and Professor of Music at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. The chorus is currently flourishing under the baton of talented artistic director and conductor Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett, Assistant Professor of Music in Choral Activities at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Noted for its rich sound, the Omaha Symphonic Chorus has been a frequent guest of other area music ensembles including the Omaha Symphony, the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band, and the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. OSC is especially proud of its many appearances with the Omaha Symphony. The Chorus has sung in the Symphony’s Chamber Music, Pops and Masterworks concerts, thrilling audiences with highly energized performances of the world’s great choral music.

The Omaha Symphonic Chorus is perhaps best known for its signature event, “Christmas at the Cathedral,” a concert that has become an annual tradition in Omaha and beyond. Accompanied by the Omaha Symphony Chamber Orchestra, the Chorus performs both classical selections and arrangements of beloved seasonal carols in the magnificent setting of Saint Cecilia Cathedral.

Artistic Staff

Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett joins the Omaha Symphonic Chorus as its new Artistic Director and Conductor for the 2022-2023 season.

“I am excited to join the ranks of the illustrious Omaha Symphonic Chorus and look forward to growing together with the organization.”

Marques L. A. Garrett

Marques L. A. Garrett

Artistic Director and Conductor

A Virginia native, Marques L. A. Garrett (he/him/his) is an Assistant...

Jonathan Mueller

Jonathan Mueller

Assistant Conductor

Jonathan Mueller is very excited to be the Assistant Conductor of...

Stacie Haneline

Stacie Haneline

Pianist

A versatile pianist, Stacie Haneline maintains an active recital career...

D. M. Gardner

D. M. Gardner

Composer-in-Residence

Mr. Gardner’s music, ranging from choral to larger orchestral works...

Dr. Greg Zielke

Dr. Greg Zielke

Conductor Emeritus

Dr. Greg Zielke is Professor of Music and the Director of the Music Program......

Board of Directors

Robert Hutcherson
President
Tom Wheeler
Vice President
Lori Pilachai
Treasurer
Janet Williams
Secretary
Tracy Allgood

Publicity

Crystal Asmussen

At Large

Louise Clayton

Repertoire

Marques L. A. Garrett

Artistic Director and Conductor

Bob Glaze

Nominations
Compensation

Ruth Glaze

Box Office
Patron Relations

Kalli Johnson

Publicity

Ann Koster

Operations

Rick Leinemann

At Large

Steve McCoy

Technical

Barb McKillip

Development

Jonathan Mueller

Assistant Conductor

Hillary Stickler

Unavailable-On Assignment

Chorus Librarians

Krista Green
Librarian
Kathy Mills
Assistant Librarian

Tickets

We hope you will join us at our performances as we seek to inspire and uplift through the choral art. In order to purchase tickets, you can:

  • speak to any Omaha Symphonic Chorus member to buy tickets in-person in advance of the concert,
  • call (402) 680-6156 to purchase tickets over the phone to be picked up at will-call, or
  • purchase tickets at the door.

Online ticketing is currently unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.

A Celebration Sunday, Oct 30, 2022, 3:00PM
Past performance
Christmas at the Cathedral Friday, Dec 2, 2022, 7:30PM
Sunday, Dec 4, 2022, 2:00PM
Past performance
Unity Saturday, Mar 4, 2023, 7:30PM
Past performance
Illuminare Sunday, May 7, 2023, 2:00PM
Past performance

2022-2023 Season

A Celebration

Sunday, Oct 30, 2022, 3:00PM

First United Methodist Church
7020 Cass St
Omaha, NE 68132


  • $18 - General admission
  • $15 - Students/Seniors(60+)
Purchase tickets

Christmas at the Cathedral

Friday, Dec 2, 2022, 7:30PM
Sunday, Dec 4, 2022, 2:00PM

St. Cecilia Cathedral
701 N 40th St
Omaha, NE 68131


  • $30 - Preferred seating
  • $20 - General seating
Purchase tickets

Unity

Saturday, Mar 4, 2023, 7:30PM

First United Methodist Church
7020 Cass St
Omaha, NE 68132


  • $18 - General admission
  • $15 - Students/Seniors(60+)

Illuminare

Sunday, May 7, 2023, 2:00PM

First United Methodist Church
7020 Cass St
Omaha, NE 68132


  • $25 - General admission
  • $20 - Students/Seniors(60+)

Support the Omaha Symphonic Chorus

The Omaha Symphonic Chorus depends on the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations to help us bring the joy of live choral music to the Omaha Community. The costs of managing and promoting a concert season and of hiring the instrumental musicians who accompany us are significant. Your tax deductible contribution enables us to remain a healthy and vibrant organization. Please make a gift to our Annual Fund today!

Contribution levels

  • Underwriter ($5,000 and above)
  • Benefactor ($2,500 – 4,999)
  • Oratorio ($1,500 – 2,499)
  • Cantata ($1,000 – 1,499)
  • Madrigal ($500-999)
  • Canon ($250 – 499)
  • Chorale ($100 – 249)
  • Anthem ( $10-99)

Matching gifts

You may be able to double or even triple your gift to the Omaha Symphonic Chorus. Many employers offer matching gift programs that will match employees’ charitable contributions. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer (typically the human resources department), and mail the completed form to the Omaha Symphonic Chorus along with your contribution. We will handle the rest.

How to make your contribution

To support musical activities of the chorus by making a donation to our Annual Fund, please click the button and fill out the form to make a credit card donation securely processed by Square. Or, if you prefer to write a check, please mail your check to:

Omaha Symphonic Chorus
P.O. Box 24225
Omaha, NE 68124-0225

Checks should be made payable to the Omaha Symphonic Chorus. Please note “donation” on the memo line. Your contribution will be acknowledged in writing, and you will be listed as a contributor in our concert programs.

Our partners

In the summer of 2021, OSC was invited to participate in a Nebraska Medicine study regarding the spread of aerosol virus in a choral setting. Read the article here.

The Omaha Symphonic Chorus gratefully acknowledges assistance and funding from the following organizations:

Contact the Chorus

Auditions

Open auditions for the upcoming season are held in early August. Please fill out the contact form below if you are interested in auditioning for the chorus.

Contact form

Request audition information, make a donation, or just tell us you love us. Fill out the form below to reach the chorus.