Symphony Chorus

Richard Carrick, chorus master

Beth Sobczak, chorus accompanist

Aine Miller, chorus administrator

The DSSO Symphony Chorus has a rich and storied history, dating all the way back to its establishment in 1959. Made up of dedicated volunteers, this chorus has become an integral part of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra’s performances. They regularly join forces with the orchestra to present breathtaking choral-orchestral masterworks, operas, and pops concerts.

Over the years, the DSSO Symphony Chorus has had the privilege of performing a wide range of beloved choral compositions. They have tackled monumental works such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, famously known for its triumphant “Ode to Joy.” They have also taken on Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, a powerful and emotionally charged piece often referred to as the “Resurrection Symphony.”

In addition to these monumental works, the chorus has showcased their versatility by performing Orff’s Carmina Burana, a vibrant and rhythmic composition that captivates audiences with its energetic melodies. They have also brought to life Bizet’s Carmen, an operatic masterpiece filled with passion and drama. They’ve performed Michael Tippet’s A Child of Our Time, an oratorio in support of oppressed people everywhere. More recent works, such as Brahms Requiem and Faure Requiem. And of course, no choral repertoire would be complete without Handel’s Messiah, a timeless and beloved oratorio that continues to inspire and uplift listeners.

The DSSO Symphony Chorus’s dedication and commitment to their craft have made them an essential component of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra’s performances. Their contributions have enriched the cultural landscape of the community, bringing the joy and power of choral music to audiences year after year.

New members are welcome. Auditions occur each fall and spring, and rehearsals are held Monday evenings on the UMD campus.

If you are interested in auditioning, please fill out the DSSO chorus audition form for more details. Prior choral experience is required.

For other inquiries regarding the Duluth Superior Symphony Chorus, please contact Aine Miller, Chorus Administrator, at chorus@dsso.com.

ABOUT THE

Chorus Master

Richard Carrick is a conductor, clinician, singer, and educator. He is the Director of Choral Activities at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, Director of Music at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, and a founding member and conductor of Borealis Chamber Artists. Richard holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington where he studied with Geoffrey Boers and Giselle Wyers. Some professional highlights include singing with the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus under Helmuth Rilling and Matthew Halls, The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra. When not teaching or conducting, Richard can be found on a trail somewhere in the woods, or baking with his wife and children.