About the Sheboygan Symphony Chorus

During the summer of 1994 Janet L. Herrick, Professor of Music at Lakeland College, formed a chorus that would perform with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra. Respected local music educator Frank Berger was selected as Assistant Conductor and Accompanist. Auditions were held, and the Sheboygan Symphony chorus was born, comprised of local talent that represented a diverse cross-section of Sheboygan and the surrounding communities.

First United Lutheran Church offered the Chorus a room for rehearsals and a place for its first performance with the Symphony - Handel's Messiah. The Chorus and the audience soon outgrew these facilities and Messiah performances were moved to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Later concerts were moved to the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts where the Chorus and Orchestra presented a newly conceived Christmas concert, named Christmas Treasures. The Chorus and Symphony Singers were prominently featured along with other local musicians and dancers.

The Chorus has had the opportunity to prepare some of history's most respected masterworks and grow in artistry and technique. They have demonstrated talent with moving and expressive singing in varied styles and languages. Our opening in the Stephanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts with the exciting finale from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony was a performance never to be forgotten.

Many superb soloists have emerged from the Chorus and been featured with the Symphony during the regular season as well as Messiah and Summer Pops concerts. Symphony Chorus members have participated in two national honors choirs sponsored by the American Choral Directors' Association. The Symphony Singers, a small ensemble drawn from the Chorus, performs at several Symphony concerts each season.