Cleveland Orchestra Chorus

"The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, prepared by Lisa Wong, covered a vast range of dynamics from ritualistic murmurings to full-throated climaxes, and the Children’s Chorus prepared by Jennifer Rozsa sang sweetly from their off-stage position."

What a powerful experience it was to perform Britten's War Requiem last night with The Cleveland Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra Children's Choruses under the baton of the always-wonderful Klaus Mäkelä. There are two more performances coming up this weekend; you don't want to miss this one! Buy your tickets at www.clevelandorchestra.com

https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2026/04/klaus-makela-leads-powerful-brittens-war-requiem-at-severance-review.html

Klaus Mäkelä leads powerful Britten’s ‘War Requiem’ at Severance (review) The performance offered "a vast range of dynamics from ritualistic murmurings to full-throated climaxes." In all, it was a deeply moving concert; the program repeats Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm

In case you need any more incentive to sing in a choir (or audition for one of our choruses, perhaps?), check out all of these amazing things that happen in your brain when singing in an ensemble!

Have you experienced any of the benefits of choral singing firsthand? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

What Happens to My Brain When I Sing in Choir? What happens to your brain when you sing in a choir? Explore 10 science-backed ways choral singing boosts mood, memory, and health.

Despite the tornado warnings, we had an incredible evening of music, featuring three of our Shari Bierman Singer Fellows in recital at Severance on March 31st! Accompanied and coached by Daniel Overly, 25-26 Season Fellows Shannon, Brie, and Jaden put on a program that featured thought-provoking arrangements of folk music and poetry. Many of their fellow COC members pushed through the weather to support them.

Additionally, the COC presented the Joela Jones Chorus Appreciation Award to Rob Singer and his family. Named after his late wife, the Shari Bierman Singer Fellowship has continued Shari's legacy and commitment to music education. We are so grateful to the Singer Family for their support over the years.

And, of course, we all celebrated with delicious cake after! 🍰 Many thanks to the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus Operating Committee for putting on a beautiful reception afterward, and COC member for capturing photos of the evening!

Join us at 7:30 tonight for the second annual Shari Bierman Singer Fellowship Recital! Three of our 2025-26 season Fellows have received months of coaching from Daniel Overly, Collaborative Pianist for The Cleveland Orchestra Choruses and rehearsal pianist for The Cleveland Orchestra. Come support our Fellows, Shannon Dunning, Brianna Knapp, and Jaden Levine, and enjoy some music on this stormy evening in Reinberger Chamber Hall (which is not only a beautiful space, but a storm shelter!)

Did you know we have four paid fellowships available for full-time music students each season? Our Shari Bierman Singer Fellows are strong vocal leaders who enjoy numerous opportunities during their time in The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus! In addition to performing with The Cleveland Orchestra, we offer the chance to meet with visiting artists, explore career paths, and give a recital in Reinberger Chamber Hall at Severance Music Center.

If this intrigues you, consider signing up to audition! Applications are due April 27th, and auditions will take place on April 30th in Cleveland Heights. Read more on our website at cochorus.com/fellowship.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]. We hope to see you at auditions!

Six years ago, The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus was honored to be the recipient of The Cleveland Orchestra Distinguished Service Award. Each year, this service award is given to recognize ongoing and extraordinary commitment to The Cleveland Orchestra. A lot has changed in the last six years since March 5, 2020, but we remain committed to this organization, and our community. We are proud to be your Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and look forward to many more years of making music! ❤️