The Morningside Choir, the university’s premier forty-member auditioned choral ensemble from Sioux City, Iowa, has maintained a respected tradition of artistic excellence since 1925. Under the direction of Dr. Ryan Person, the choir consists of undergraduate student musicians from various major areas of study who are among the university’s finest leaders and scholars. Presenting a diverse array of choral repertoire, the ensemble has been nationally and internationally recognized for its performance excellence. During the past year, the ensemble has performed as a demonstration choir for the Undergraduate Choral Conducting Institute at the ACDA National Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the South Dakota Music Educators Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota. In 2023, the ensemble was recognized as the winner of The American Prize for College/University Choirs.

As an active touring ensemble, the choir travels to international destinations every three years. Most recently, the choir toured Germany, Austria, and Czechia in 2022, where they notably performed for a sold-out audience at the Antonín Dvorák Music Festival in Príbram, Czechia. In May 2024, the choir will tour South Africa.

The Morningside Choir rehearses on MTWTh from 3:30-4:50 p.m., and prospective students are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Cantabile is a treble choir comprised of students from all areas of study at Morningside. The ensemble is dedicated to the performance of challenging choral music and high musical artistry.

 Members perform in at least two concerts each semester, including the annual production of Christmas at Morningside, and serve as ambassadors for choral music throughout the local area. In addition, the choir frequently combines with Camerata to perform mixed choral literature each semester.

Camerata is a convivial tenor-bass ensemble with students from all areas of study and co-curricular activities, including athletics and other performing arts organizations.

The choir presents at least two concerts per semester, including the annual production of Christmas at Morningside, and represents Morningside in the community by performing at various civic and college-related events. In addition, the group frequently combines with Cantabile to perform mixed choral literature each semester.

Morningside’s Lyric Theatre is open to all students, regardless of major, and offers you the option to perform or work on a musical or opera production. Recent productions include “Next to Normal,” “Quilters,” “Into the Woods,” and our acclaimed production of “Dido and Aeneas.” 

The Lyric Theatre allows you to expand your understanding and passion for the choral world, as well as improving your acting, performing, and production skills. Become involved in our newest choral creation!

The Morningside Symphonic Chorus (previously known as the Master Chorale) is a community choir open to anyone who wants to sing in a choral ensemble and perform incredible works of music by new and historic composers.

All are welcome to sing in the chorus, which will include new members, Morningside University students, local music educators and musicians, and former Master Chorale members. You do not need to be affiliated with Morningside or have an extensive musical background to be part of the choir – the Morningside Symphonic Chorus is for any Siouxlander who wants to learn and share music with our community.