The Morton Community Chorus, of Morton, IL, has been performing Handel's Messiah annually for many, many years. The pictures above are from the November 2025 performance. Although, "Morton" is in the name, it is perhaps a misnomer, as people from all over the Midwest, including Iowa and Wisconsin, regularly participate in the choir and orchestra. See our Memories of 2025 page for more pictures and a video of our 2025 performance. We are looking forward to presenting this masterwork again on November 22, 2026.
Phil Witzig, conductor of the Morton Community Chorus, told about his life and music in an interviewed on the Instruments of Worship podcast in advance of the 2025 concert. Listen here.
WBNH Radio, also interviewed Phil Witzig for the Kingdom Happenings podcast. Like and share our Facebook page! Follow us on Instagram. To receive an email reminder about our upcoming concerts, email [email protected].
Phil Witzig, conductor of the Morton Community Chorus, told about his life and music in an interviewed on the Instruments of Worship podcast in advance of the 2025 concert. Listen here.
WBNH Radio, also interviewed Phil Witzig for the Kingdom Happenings podcast. Like and share our Facebook page! Follow us on Instagram. To receive an email reminder about our upcoming concerts, email [email protected].
Meet Our Distinguished 2026 Soloists!
Mexican-American, soprano Marissa Howard has been heralded for her “silvery coloratura voice” and dynamite comedic interpretation. This season, she joins Lyric Opera Chicago for their production of Earth to Kenzie and works with the Chicago Symphony as a chorister for their productions of Belshazzar’s Feast and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Last year, she worked with Bellissima Opera for their International Women’s concert, joined the Chicago Symphony Chorus as a chorister for their 2026-2027 season, and worked with Chicago Opera Theater in their production of Der Silbersee. She was also named as a finalist for the Saengerbund Vocal Competition, was awarded second place for MIOpera’s 2025 International Voice Competition, and was a finalist in Chicago’s first “Diva Competition” run by Chicago City Opera, the Valkyrie Ensemble, and Great Lakes Operetta. In her previous season she worked with Chicago Opera Theater for the North American debut of Leonora, worked as an outreach artist with Opera Saratoga in their production of Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in el Mundo. Additionally she starred in Victory Hall Opera’s Documentary “YAP’s” which premiered in 2025. She has also been known for her work with Utah Festival Opera, Mousaverse Opera, Evanston Chamber Opera, Opera Memphis, Memphis Light Opera, and Cedar Summerstock Theater. In addition, she was a semifinalist in the NATSAA National Competition in 2022 as well as a finalist for the Harold Haugh Light Opera Competition. Marissa currently resides in Chicago with her two cats and charming fiancé, she studies under Amy Owens.
Kendra Wieneke, mezzo-soprano, has enjoyed a diverse career as a classical singer, music educator, church musician, and nonprofit administrator. She studied at Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of Carol Webber and Jan Opalach and performed frequently with Eastman Opera Theater, notably singing the title role in Handel’s Serse under the direction of renowned early music specialist Paul O’Dette. Other favorite roles include Bianca in The Rape of Lucretia (Britten), Anne in the collegiate premiere of Jake Heggie’s To Hell and Back, and Martha in The Secret Garden (Simon/Norman). A dedicated recitalist and chamber musician, she has been featured in J.S. Bach’s Magnificat in D (Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana), Haydn’s Harmoniemesse (Eastman School of Music), Mozart’s Coronation Mass in C (Voices), Handel’s Messiah (Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra), and J. S. Bach’s Christ lag in Todes Banden (Tallahassee Bach Parley). She appeared with the Peoria Bach Festival Chorus in 2025 and served as Alto section leader for the Church of the Holy Trinity in New York City from 2023-2024. Outside of music, she is a dedicated yoga teacher and doting dog mom to her pup, Johann Sebastian Chewbacca - known to friends as Chewie.
American tenor Kay'mon Winkfield Murrah is recognized for his warm lyric voice, expressive musicianship, and engaging stage presence. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, he has established himself as a versatile performer in opera, concert, and sacred repertoire throughout the United States. Recent engagements include serving as the cover for Luciías with Cincinnati Opera in the world premiere production of Lalovavi, performing Kasper in Amahl and the Night Visitors with Kentucky Opera, and understudying the role of the Armed Man in Kentucky Opera's production of Die Zauberflöte. During the 2020-2021 season, he toured nationally with the acclaimed American Spiritual Ensemble, performing a broad range of spirituals, art songs, and concert repertoire for audiences across the country. Additional performance credits include appearances with Bluegrass Opera, University of Kentucky Opera Theatre, Lexington Singers, Louisville Chorus, Bellarmine Chorus, and the University of Kentucky Men's Choir. His repertoire encompasses opera, oratorio, musical theatre, and traditional spirituals, showcasing both stylistic versatility and a commitment to connecting with diverse audiences. Mr. Murrah holds a degree from the University of Kentucky, where he cultivated a passion for vocal performance, arts leadership, and community engagement. In addition to his performing career, he is an active advocate for the arts and currently serves as Community Outreach Manager for LexArts, Lexington's local arts agency, where he develops partnerships and initiatives that increase access to arts and cultural experiences throughout Central Kentucky. A dedicated educator and arts leader, Mr. Murrah previously served as Artistic Coordinator for Boston Lyric Opera and has held leadership roles with numerous arts and community organizations. His contributions to arts education and community development have earned him recognition as both a Kentucky Colonel and a Kentucky Commonwealth Ambassador.
Jeffrey Tarr, Bass. Praised by The Capital for his “rock-solid vocalism and powerful projection”, bass Jeffrey Tarr has an extensive performance career in opera, oratorio, and as a recitalist. Among the opera companies with which he has performed are the Washington National Opera, Baltimore Concert Opera, UrbanArias, The InSeries, and Festspiele Gut Immling. Jeffrey’s portrayal of Basilio in Annapolis Opera's production of Il barbiere di Siviglia was described by The Washington Post as "fervent [&] robust." Internationally, Jeffrey has performed several roles with Gut Immling Festspiele including Argante in Rinaldo and Zuniga in Carmen. In Berlin, he performed Crespel in Les contes d ’Hoffmann under the direction of Gidon Saks. Other operatic credits include Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, Polyphemus in Acis and Galatea, Osmin in Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Colline in La bohème, Bartolo and Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro, Collatinus in Rape of Lucretia, and König Marke in Tristan und Isolde.
On the concert stage, Jeffrey has performed as bass soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Faure’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Mozart’s Requiem, Brahms’ Requiem, and Bach’s Magnificat. He has performed with the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, Cathedral Choral Arts Society, Frederick Symphony Orchestra, and the Capital City Symphony. As a recitalist, he has performed in such venues as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. His performance of Messiah with the New Dominion Chorale and Orchestra was lauded by The Washington Post as "outstanding…a large, resonant voice, filled with both power and clarity."
Jeffrey received a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Tennessee Temple University and a Masters of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Vocal Pedagogy at the University of North Texas. His additional training includes German for Singers at the Middlebury College and the American Wagner Project of the Institute for Young Dramatic Voice with directors Dolora Zajick and Luana DeVol. Jeffrey was a prize winner in the Annapolis Opera Competition, the Orpheus Vocal Competition, and Vocal Arts DC Discovery Competition. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Music at Texas Woman’s University, where he serves as the Coordinator of Vocal Studies.
On the concert stage, Jeffrey has performed as bass soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Faure’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Mozart’s Requiem, Brahms’ Requiem, and Bach’s Magnificat. He has performed with the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, Cathedral Choral Arts Society, Frederick Symphony Orchestra, and the Capital City Symphony. As a recitalist, he has performed in such venues as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. His performance of Messiah with the New Dominion Chorale and Orchestra was lauded by The Washington Post as "outstanding…a large, resonant voice, filled with both power and clarity."
Jeffrey received a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Tennessee Temple University and a Masters of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music of Johns Hopkins University. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Vocal Pedagogy at the University of North Texas. His additional training includes German for Singers at the Middlebury College and the American Wagner Project of the Institute for Young Dramatic Voice with directors Dolora Zajick and Luana DeVol. Jeffrey was a prize winner in the Annapolis Opera Competition, the Orpheus Vocal Competition, and Vocal Arts DC Discovery Competition. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Music at Texas Woman’s University, where he serves as the Coordinator of Vocal Studies.
Peter Wykert, Organ: Peter Wykert, Piano/Organ: Peter is Cantor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Peoria. As Cantor, he serves as organist, conducts the adult choir, youth choir, handbells, and brass, and plans all worship services. He also composes and arranges music for Trinity’s ensembles and coordinates the livestream worship services. Outside of Trinity, he serves Concordia Lutheran School as accompanist, directs the German American Central Society Choirs, and freelances as organist, most recently with ISU’s Wind Symphony and Concert Choir. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Concordia University Chicago and has earned certificates in the curriculums First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfège.
Help Support our Choir
Our annual concerts are held at Grace Church in Morton. Although Grace Church graciously allows us to use their beautiful sanctuary, our annual productions of Messiah are community events, performed by the Morton Community Choir and Orchestra. The concerts are free, and no tickets are required. Our support is received from a free-will offering at the doors of our concert, and from business and individual sponsors who have a passion to help this kind of event continue. Consider making a donation using the Donate button above. Money received throughout the year is put toward the following year's concert. (Online donations are handled for us through the Morton Fine Arts Association who directs 100% of your donations to us.) Our business and individual sponsors:
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Individual Sponsors:
- Scott & Dorine Aberle
- John & Sheila Dreyer
- Mike & Mary Jane Johnson
- Michael & Michele Kuhl
- Scott & Dorine Aberle
- John & Sheila Dreyer
- Mike & Mary Jane Johnson
- Michael & Michele Kuhl
Interested in Singing With Us?
There is nothing quite as thrilling as singing this masterpiece of music literature in a wonderful space with full choir, orchestra, and organ. If you have interest in this type of music, and the voice and talent to sing it, contact us at [email protected] to discuss the possibility of joining us!
From Morton to Carnegie Hall
2023 was a special year for the Morton Community Chorus! We were invited to participate in the Carnegie Hall Messiah concert on Sunday, November 26, 2023 in New York City! On Thanksgiving day, 30 members of our choir flew to New York City to rehearse with and perform Messiah on one of world's most famous concert halls. We were vetted through a confidential audition process in which the organizers reviewed past videos of us posted online. We joined others from around the world in a choir of 200 singing Messiah on the stage of historic Carnegie Hall! It was certainly a memorable trip.