History

Marquette Choral Society was founded in 1971 by Dr. William Dehning and is currently led by musical director Dr. Erin Colwitz. Our performance history reaches back five decades.

Over the years, MCS has focused much of its attention on the large works of the Western choral tradition, including oratorios by Handel, Bach, and Haydn, and masses by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, among many others. The group also performs more contemporary pieces by composers such as Bernstein, Honegger, and Hovhaness. MCS also takes pride in commissioning and giving world premieres to many new and important contributions to the choral literature. In 1992, the group commissioned Dave Brubeck to compose Earth is Our Mother to celebrate the choir’s twentieth anniversary. Other commissioned works include pieces by Jackson Berkey, Griffin Candey, and Thomas LaVoy.

Some of our past concerts and repertoire include:

“Divine Light: the Choral Music of Eric Whitacre,” April 27 & 28, 2024. Including Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; Jan Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Elizabeth Grugin (Soprano); Adam Hall (Cello).

“Transcendence,” December 16 & 17, 2023. Including F.J. Haydn’s Paukenmesse, and Tarik O'Regan’s Martyr.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; Jan Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Elizabeth Grugin (Soprano); Erin Sura (Mezzo-Soprano); Darrius Morton (Tenor); Robert Peavler (Bass-Baritone).

“Celebrate the Earth,” April 29 & 30, 2023. Including Winter’s Missa Gaia (Mass of the Earth).
Erin Colwitz, conductor; Jan Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Elizabeth Grugin (Soprano); Cheyenne Kaufman & Anna Morozov (Alto); Roscoe Schieler (Baritone); Ishpeming Middle & High School choirs (Caitlin Palomaki, conductor).

“Carols & Lullabies,” December 17 & 18, 2022. Including Conrad Susa’s Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the South West, and Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; Jan Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Elizabeth Grugin (Soprano); Anna Morozov (Alto); Curt Rogan (Tenor); Wayne Hanmer (Baritone).

“Carmina Burana,” by Carl Orff. April 23 & 24; Re-scheduled to May 14 & 15, 2022.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; Lynne Koski Lanczy and Nancy Zimmerman, accompanists; featuring Alexandra Lang (Soprano); Darrius Morton (Tenor); Wayne Hanmer (Baritone); Bothwell Middle School Chorus (Conductor: Sheila Grazulis),

“Gloria!” December 11th and 12th, 2021. Including R. Vaughan Williams’s Mass in G Minor and John Rutter’s Gloria.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; Jeff Bruning, accompanist; featuring Liz Grugin (Soprano); Cheyenne Kaufman & Anna Morozov (Alto); Darrius Morton & Curt Rogan (Tenor); Wayne Hanmer & Howard Harding (Bass).

Our intended concerts for April 2020, December 2020, and April 2021 were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Angelic Voices: Music of Charpentier and Respighi,” December 7th & 8th, 2019. Including M.-A. Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit per Noël, and O. Respighi’s Lauda per la Natività de Signor.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; Jeff Bruning, accompanist; featuring Kathy Bushong & Hayley Kukulis (Soprano); Tony Beacco (Tenor); Wayne Hanmer (Baritone); and the Marquette Choral Society Chamber Orchestra.

“Russian Nights: Rachmaninoff & Chesnokov,” April 27th & 28th, 2019. Including S. Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, Op. 37.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; Jeff Bruning, accompanist.

“Bach at the Cathedral: Magnificat & Wachet Auf,” by J.S. Bach. December 15th & 16th, 2018.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; Jeff Bruning, accompanist; featuring Aani Bourassa (Soprano); Michael Walker (Countertenor); Joshua May (Tenor); Richard Lippold (Baritone); and the Marquette Choral Society Chamber Orchestra.

“Night Psalms,” April 28th & 29th, 2018. Including R. Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem and The Night Psalms, a new commission by Griffin Candey with text by Kathleen M. Heideman.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist; featuring Aani Bourassa (Soprano); Richard Lippold (Baritone).

“Laudate Dominum: Catnatas at the Cathedral,” December 2nd & 3rd, 2017. Including Benjamin Britten’s St. Nicholas Cantata and Arthur Honegger’s Une Cantate de Noël.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist; featuring Brian White (Tenor); Wayne Hanmer (Baritone); Diocesan Children's Choir, conducted by Samuel Holmberg, and the Marquette Choral Society Orchestra.

“Sure on this Shining Night: Celebrating Finland’s Centennial with 100 years of Finnish and American music.”
Concerts in Marquette on April 23rd & 24th, 2017; tour to Finland in July 2017. Turku Cathedral on July 20th, Tampere Cathedral on July 22nd, Oulu Cathedra on July 24th, and Temppeliaukio Church on July 28th. Including Jean Sibelius’s Six Songs, Op. 18, and works by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber and Morten Lauridsen.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist; featuring Jennifer Taylor Bleckiner (Oboe).

“Handel’s Messiah,” December 3rd & 4th, 2016.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist; featuring Kathy Bushong (Soprano); Carin Gilfry (Mezzo-Soprano); Anthony Beacco (Tenor); Wayne Hanmer (Bass); and the Marquette Choral Society Orchestra.

“Baroque & Beyond,” April 23rd & 24th, 2016. Including G.F. Handel’s Chandos Anthem #11A, Reger’s 8 Geistliche Gesänge, Op. 138, and P. Schickele’s Liebeslieder Polkas.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy & Nancy Redfern, accompanists; featuring the Marquette Choral Society Orchestra.

“Caroles in the Cathedral,” December 5th & 6th, 2015. Including D. Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata (Sinfonia Sacra), S. Paulus’ Three Nativity Carols, K. Leighton’s A Hymn to the Nativity, and D. Wilcocks’ Five Christmas Carols.
Erin Colwitz, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist; featuring Ellen Lindblom (Soprano); Nancy Redfern (Harp); Samuel Holmberg (Organ); and the Marquette Choral Society Brass Ensemble.

“The Music of Paul Ayres,” April 25th, 2015.
Featuring the world premiere of Marquette Choral Society commission The Harmony of Heaven and Earth.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist.

“Carols in the Cathedral,” December 6th & 7th, 2014.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist.

W. A. Mozart’s Coronation Mass & Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, April 26th & 27th, 2014.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist; featuring Kathy Bushong & Sophie Harding (Soprano); Jean Dettman (Alto); Matt Gilbertson (Tenor); Wayne Hanmer (Baritone); Howard Harding (Bass).

“Carols in the Cathedral,” December 7th & 8th, 2013.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist.

“A Mighty Fortress – Sacred Music for All Seasons,” April 27th & 28th, 2013.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; N. Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist.

“Carols in the Cathedral,” December 1st & 2nd, 2012.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Lynne Koski Lanczy, accompanist.

“Four Centuries of Sacred Song,” April 28th & 29th, 2012.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Lynne Koski Lanczy & Sandra Balmer, accompanist.

“Carols in the Cathedral,” December 3rd & 4th, 2011.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Lynne Lanczy, accompanist.

R. Vaughan Williams’ Mass in G Minor, D. Brubeck’s Lenten Triptych, and R. Keys Biggs’ Alleluia, April 16th & 17th, 2011.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Lynne Lanczy, accompanist; featuring Lindsay Luft (Soprano); Martha Lundin (Alto); Carl Safford (Tenor); Andrew Shirtz (Bass); Harold South (Double Bass).

“Carols in the Cathedral,” December 4th & 5th, 2010. Including M.-A. Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit Pour Noël.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Nancy Redfern, accompanist; featuring Kathy Bushong & Julia Dehring (Soprano); Suzanne Harding & Pamela Monroe (Alto); Kurt Hauswirth & Zachary Beeksma (Tenor); Howard Harding (Bass), and the Marquette Choral Society Chamber Orchestra.

“Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit,” April 24th & 25th, 2010.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Kathy Bushong & Abbey Kwiatkowski (Soprano); Tara Pokela (Mezzo-Soprano); Suzanne Harding, Loreene Zeno Koskey, & Pamela Monroe (Alto); Kurt Hauswirth (Tenor); Howard Harding (Bass).

“Carols in the Cathedral,” December 5th & 6th, 2009. Including carols by J. Rutter, and A. Vivaldi’s Gloria.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer, accompanist; featuring Suzanne Harding, Abbey Kwiatkowski, Sara C. Parks, Tara Pokela, Danielle Teter, and the Marquette Choral Society Chamber Orchestra.

A. Dvorak’s Mass in D Major & Songs of Nature, April 25th & 26th, 2009.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer, accompanist.

“A Wreath of Carols,” December 6th & 7th, 2008. Including a selection of the Alfred Burt carols.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer, accompanist.

“Handel’s Messiah,” April 26th & 27th, 2008.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer, accompanist; featuring Lisa Parsons (Soprano); Melanie Coddington (Alto); Kurt Hauswirth (Tenor); Stan Wright (Bass)

“Christmas in the Cathedral,” December 1st & 2nd, 2007.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer, accompanist.

J. Biggs’ A Song, A Prayer, A Voyage (World Premiere) and Mass for Our Time, April 28th & 29th, 2007.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer and Nancy Redfern, accompanists; featuring Valerie Errante (Soprano).

“Carols in the Cathedral,” December 2nd & 3rd, 2006.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist.

W. A. Mozart’s C Minor Mass, April 29th & 30th, 2006.
Wayne Hanmer, conductor; Sandra Balmer, accompanist; featuring Kathy Bushong, Robert Engelhart, Katriina Hopper, Ryan Werdon, and the Marquette Choral Society Chamber Orchestra.

“Magnificat,” December 3rd & 4th, 2005. Including C. Monteverdi’s Magnificat, A. Vivaldi’s Magnificat, and J. Rutter’s Magnificat.
Wayne Hanmer, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Kathy Bushong, Valerie Koskiniemi, Lisa Pepin, & Katriina Hopper (Soprano); Linda Carlson, Suzanne Harding, Pamela Monroe, Lauren Somalski, Eva Whalen, & Jessica Zuiderveen (Alto); Robert Engelhart & Kurt Hauswirth (Tenor); Howard Harding, Ryan Werdon, & David Wurster (Bass), and the Marquette Choral Society Chamber Orchestra.

“Requiem: Music of Mourning & Consolation,” April 30th & May 1st, 2005.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer, accompanist; featuring Cathy Bushong & Lisa Pepin (Soprano); Ryan Werdon (Baritone).

“Carols in the Cathedral,” December 4th & 5th, 2004.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer and Kathy Maynard, accompanists.

“Floyd's Favorites II,” May 1st & 2nd, 2004.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer, accompanist; featuring Valerie Koskineimi & Lisa Pepin (Soprano); Jeanne Dettman & Pamela Monroe (Alto); Chris Nelson (Tenor); Howard Harding (Bass).

J. S. Bach’s The Christmas Oratorio, December 6th & 7th, 2003.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Krystal Byykkonen, Laura Friedhoff, Lauren Mileto, & Natalie Richards (Soprano); Sheila Grazulis (Mezzo-Soprano); Jen Howell & Katy Schindler (Alto); Gregg Abell, Robert Engelhart, Mike Quayle, & Mike Tipper (Tenor); Sean Carsten, Wayne Hanmer, & Ryan Werdon (Bass), and the Marquette Choral Society Chamber Orchestra.

“Time for Berkey,” April 26th, 2003. Including Mass Over a Period of Time, plus, by Jackson and Ameda Berkey.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Jackson Berkey, accompanist; featuring Nolan Bunce, Julie Erickson, Carla Norton, Jessica Oettinger, Elizabeth Rosema, Abbie Smith, & Ryan Werdon.

“Carols in the Cathedral,” arranged by Parker/Shaw. December 7th & 8th, 2002.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Carole Bard, Laura Freidhoff, Liz Larson , Heidi Murphy & Lisa Pepin (Soprano); Pat Torreano (Tenor); Mike DeGood (Baritone).

S. Rachmaninoff’s Vespers, April 20th & 21st, 2002.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Anthony Beacco (Tenor).

“A Christmas Mosaic,” December 1st & 2nd, 2001.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist.

“Floyd's Favorites,” March 31st & April 1st, 2001.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Jennifer Dujka (Soprano); James Brodersen (Baritone).

“Carols in the Cathedral,” December 2nd & 3rd, 2000. Including selections from The Novello Book of Carols (Llewellyn, ed.).
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist.

J. Brahms‘ A German Requiem,” April 15th, 2000.
Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist; featuring Katriina Wills (Soprano); James Brodersen (Baritone), and the Marquette Choral Society Chamber Orchestra.

An Evening with Dave Brubeck, featuring the world premiere of Marquette Choral Society commission Earth is Our Mother, with the Northern Michigan University Choir. Floyd Slotterback and Russell Gloyd, conductors. April 11th, 1992.

Handel – Messiah, Vivaldi – Magnificat & Pinkham – Christmas Cantata, with the Northern Michigan University Orchestra. Floyd Slotterback, conductor. December 3rd and 4th, 1988.

L. V. Beethoven – Mass in C Major, Fantasy for Piano, Choir & Orchestra, with the Northern Michigan University Orchestra. Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Nancy Dryer, piano. December 5th and 6th, 1987.

Christmas Concert including music by Heinrich Schütz, Franz Schubert and Benjamin Britten, with the Northern Michigan University Orchestra. Featuring harp music by Carlos Salzedo and Kim Robertson. Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Elinor Niemisto, harp.

The Music of Randall Thomson, with the Northern Michigan University Choir. Floyd Slotterback, conductor; Sandra Balmer, accompanist. April 6th and 8th, 1990.

G. F. Handel – Saul, with the NMU University Orchestra. Floyd Slotterback, conductor. December 2nd and 3rd, 1989.

W. A. Mozart – Requiem, John Rutter – Requiem, with the NMU University Orchestra. Floyd Slotterback, conductor. April 23rd and 24th, 1989.

Gustav Holst – The Hymn of Jesus & Franz Schubert – Mass in Ab Miajor, with the Northern Michigan University Orchestra. Steven Edwards, conductor, December 7th and 8th, 1985.

Carl Orff – Carmina Burana & Johannes Brahms – Schicksalsied, with the Northern Michigan University Orchestra, University Chorale and Arts Chorale. Steven Edwards, conductor. April 12th and 13th, 1984.

W. A. Mozart – Vesperae Solennes de Confessore & O. Respighi – Lauda per la Natività del Signore, with the Northern Michigan University Orchestra. Steven Edwards, conductor; Ruth Matthews, accompanist. December 3rd and 4th, 1983.

G. F. Handel – Israel in Egypt with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra. Steven Edwards, conductor. April 16th and 17th, 1983.

“A Concert of Sacred Music for the Christmas Season,” including Bruckner – Mass in E Minor, Gabrieli – O Magnum Mysterium, and Hassler – Verbum Caro Factum Est. Steven Edwards, conductor; Ruth Matthews, accompanist. December 4th and 5th, 1982.

Joseph Haydn – The Seasons, with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra. Douglas Amman, conductor; Dean Bisgrove and Timothy Brimmer, assistant conductors. April 17th and 18th, 1980.

Gustav Holst – The Hymn of Jesus & William Walton – Belshazzar’s Feast. Douglas Amman, conductor; John Slawson, assistant conductor; Janet Brodersen, accompanist. April 7th and 8th, 1979.