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

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

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

D. M. Gardner
Composer-in-Residence
Mr. Gardner’s music, ranging from choral to larger orchestral works...

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+)
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
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 ChorusP.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.