Featured Performer: New York Polyphony

Critically acclaimed for a “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts,” (NPR) and as “singers of superb musicianship and vocal allure” (The New Yorker), New York Polyphony is one of the foremost vocal chamber ensembles active today. Their innovative programming spans Gregorian chant to contemporary commissions, and their focus on familiar and rare works of the 12-17th centuries has helped bring early music to modern audiences.

Founded in 2006, New York Polyphony’s growing discography includes two GRAMMY-nominated albums, and many of their releases have topped the “best of” lists of The New Yorker, Gramophone, and The New York Times. BBC Music Magazine hailed And the sun darkened (2021, BIS) “imaginatively programmed” and “immaculately sung,” and Klassik Heute applauded New York Polyphony’s “flawlessly pure sound that amazes the listener.” Lamentationes (2019, BIS) was a finalist in the 2020 Gramophone Awards and praised by Classics Today as “perfect ensemble singing, ideally recorded.”

The quartet tours extensively, performing in some of the world's finest concert halls and participating in major festivals at home and abroad. Engagements have included Wigmore and Cadogan Halls (London), Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Stavanger Kammermusikkfestival (Norway) in 2018 and 2023, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston) in 2017 and 2022, Heidelberger Frühling (Germany), and Early Music Vancouver. As of 2023, the quartet has performed in all but eight US states.

Other Performers

Missouri State University Men's Chorus

Established in 2014, the Missouri State University Men’s Chorus includes students from various majors within the university. This ensemble, open to freshmen through graduate students, performs regularly throughout the year both on and off-campus and rehearses twice per week. In 2016, the Men’s Chorus was selected for and performed at the Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses National Seminar at the University of Illinois and in 2018, the choir performed at the annual conference of the Missouri Music Educators Association. Recordings of the MSU Men’s Chorus can be found at youtube.com/@missouristatechoirs.

Montgomery Bell Academy

The Head of School Singers are Montgomery Bell Academy’s top choral ensemble. Students in this group have typically sung in all five choirs that are offered at MBA over the course of their education. Past members of this ensemble have performed at the 2020 ACDA Convention, Carnegie Hall, The Ryman Auditorium, The National A Cappella Convention, Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville Public Radio, and The Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Oklahoma Baptist University

Founded in 1938 by Warren M. Angell, former dean of the College of Fine Arts, the Bison Glee Club is an auditioned group of the outstanding male musicians on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University. The group has long been considered one of the premiere men's choruses in the Southwest and has toured extensively throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Europe and the Far East. Its annual season features a variety of performances including tour concerts, regular campus concerts, Homecoming Showcase, Hanging of the Green, chapel events, and numerous Oklahoma-area appearances. They have been featured as honor choirs for the Oklahoma Music Educators Conference and the Baptist Church Music Conference. The Bison Glee Club is under the direction of Dr. Stephen Sims, Associate Professor of Music.

Texas A&M University

Coming from a student body of over 80,000 resident students, Texas A&M University is the largest in the nation. The Texas A&M Singing Cadets were founded in 1893 as the original chorus at Texas A&M which at that time was all male and all military. Sticking to it's military roots, the group has continued to thrive and grow in their more than 130 year existence and now open to any student enrolled at the University. The Singing Cadets average 80+ performances each year. David Kipp is in his 30th year as Director and in his tenure the Singing Cadets have performed on six continents and tour extensively every year across Texas and the nation. Their touring has included premiere solo concerts at venues such Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The White House, and St. Patrick's Cathedral as well as numerous television appearances including CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, and Fox and Friends. The Singing Cadets were humbled to sing for both George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush's funerals. The Singing Cadets are comprised of non-music majors. They come from a variety of disciplines and share their common love for music through musical presentations and touring.

Timberview High School Tenor-Bass Ensemble

The Timberview Tenor-Bass Ensemble is composed of tenors and basses from Mansfield Timberview High School, located in South Arlington. The Timberview Tenor-Bass Ensemble consists of 9th-12th grade students who have choral experience and show an advanced level of vocal technique, sight-reading skills, and performance practices. This group also learns elements of music theory. Students in this choir exhibit an elevated level of commitment and dedication to the choir due to the rehearsal schedule. Members of this ensemble made their Carnegie Hall debut March 17th, 2024 and have a performance planned for Spring 2026. They have performed throughout the DFW area and our nation’s national anthem at American Airlines Center for the Dallas Mavericks. Students from this ensemble traditionally lead the choir program with the highest GPA, as well as being involved in National Honor Society, theater, football, swim and dive, basketball, AVID, and many other campus activities while maintaining the standard of excellence.

UNI Varsity Glee Club

The Varsity Glee Club at the University of Northern Iowa is more than just a choir—it's a brotherhood. Bringing together tenors and basses from all walks of life without an audition, this group shares a love of singing and a commitment to creating something special together. Started in 1888, the Glee Club is among the active and cherished organizations at the University. Known for their rich harmonies and dynamic performances, the Glee Club has toured extensively nationally and internationally. Alumni stay deeply connected, and new members are always welcomed with open arms. For the Glee Clubbers, it’s about more than music; it’s about growing together, building lifelong friendships, and making a positive impact through the power of song. www.unigleeclub.com

WSU Shocker Choir

Shocker Choir is a bass clef (tenor/bass) voiced chorus made up of both music and non-music majors. The ensemble performs an eclectic mix of classical, folk, and popular music, reflecting the diverse musical interests of its members. The Shocker Choir performs annual fall and spring concerts, participates in the Candlelight Christmas concert, and performs as part of athletic, academic, and social functions throughout WSU's campus. Shocker Choir is open to singers campus-wide who desire a quality bass choir experience through meaningful repertoire, collegiality, and excellent performance.

Wylie East HS Varsity Tenor-Bass Chorus

Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir is made up of 80 ninth through twelfth grade singers and represent two of the three tenor-bass choirs on campus: A Cappella Tenor-Bass Choir and Cantus Tenor-Bass Choir. Students in Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir are well-rounded and active in both the school and community. Among this group are Solo & Ensemble award winners, All-Region & All-State Choir members, individual and district champions in academics, athletics, and fine arts, and participants in nearly every athletic event and organization on campus. This ensemble consistently receives the highest accolades for choral performance at regional and state contests.