Mendelssohn Glee Club of New York

05/08/2026

Celebrating a remarkable musical legacy: Gene Wisoff has led the Mendelssohn Glee Club for three decades—shaping voices, memories, and NYC’s choral heartbeat. Read about his journey, the men who sing alongside him, and what it takes to sustain musical excellence in a changing city. Read more: https://wix.to/LeBmePG

In the bustling, ever-changing landscape of New York City’s choral scene, there is a constant that has hummed beneath the surface for over thirty years. If you walk into a rehearsal room on the Upper West Side on a Monday night, you’ll find a group of men—tenors, baritones, and basses—gather...

05/04/2026

We are thrilled to share a blog shining a spotlight on Jon Pohlmann, a long-standing member of our ensemble and a composer whose reach extends from the traditional TTBB choral world to the cutting edge of contemporary dance and off-Broadway theater.

👉 Read the Full Blog Post Here https://www.mgcnyc.org/post/from-the-glee-club-to-the-harkness-center-the-artistry-of-jon-pohlmann

From Lincoln Center to the MGC Ranks
Jon’s musical journey is as diverse as the city itself. His extensive credits include:

-Composing a tribute theme for Ella Fitzgerald performed at Lincoln Center.
- Writing scores for off-Off Broadway productions and award-winning teleplays.
- Creating "bell-like chimings" for contemporary dance at the Harkness Center, earning praise from The New York Times.

What makes Jon’s music so special for us? He is a vital, "boots-on-the-ground" presence within the ensemble. By standing in the ranks, Jon gains a firsthand perspective on vocal blend and phrasing. His pieces often feel like a custom-tailored suit—designed specifically to fit the unique "sonic thumbprint" of the Mendelssohn Glee Club.

We are proud to celebrate Jon’s contributions by featuring two of his significant works in our upcoming 160th Anniversary Concert on May 12th:

- Psalm 130: A profound setting demonstrating his ability to handle sacred texts with contemporary sensitivity.
- Men of the Maritime: A powerful piece that captures the strength and tradition of the male choral legacy.

RSVP for May 12th https://www.mgcnyc.org/events/mendelssohn-glee-club-spring-concert/formaZZ

Read the blog: https://www.mgcnyc.org/post/from-the-glee-club-to-the-harkness-center-the-artistry-of-jon-pohlmann

04/27/2026

Discover the man behind the melodies: The Mendelssohn Glee Club member Oley Speaks and his place in the Golden Age of American choral music. Read our new blog post and join us in celebrating his legacy at the Spring Concert on May 12. Read more: https://wix.to/SGcFLfa

When we think of the "Golden Age" of American song, we often picture the glitz of Broadway or the rise of jazz. However, much of the era’s soul lived in the booming, disciplined harmonies of men’s choral music. At the center of this world was Oley Speaks, a man whose melodies became the soundtra...

04/20/2026

A legacy of vocal brilliance returns — join us as soprano Brandie Inez Sutton makes her triumphant return to the Mendelssohn Glee Club on May 12. Discover the Club’s rich history and this exciting reunion in our latest blog post. Read more: https://wix.to/2WLW9NO

Since its founding in 1866, the Mendelssohn Glee Club has served as a sanctuary for vocal excellence and a platform for some of the world’s most significant artists. The Club has a storied history of presenting legendary soloists—from the trailblazing Marian Anderson to Metropolitan Opera icons ...

04/16/2026

Join us in celebrating Cesare Sodero — a quietly influential figure in New York City’s musical history. Read about his legacy and how his arrangement of “Great is Jehovah, the Lord (Die Allmacht)” will be featured at our Spring Concert with soloist Brandie Sutton. Discover the story behind the music and why Sodero still matters today. https://wix.to/Q3k9huL

The celebration of our long history at our Spring Concert on May 12th would not be complete without singing a piece arranged or written by Cesare Sodero. In this concert, our wonderful soloist Brandie Sutton. will join the choir in performing Sodero's arrangement of Great is Jehovah, the Lord, (Die....

04/09/2026

Discover the untold influence of Harry T. Burleigh — the teacher behind a master's voice and a bridge between ancestral “Sorrow Songs” and America’s concert halls. A concise, powerful read (3 min). Read more: https://wix.to/oimltXt

03/25/2026

SAVE THE DATE
https://www.mgcnyc.org/events/mendelssohn-glee-club-spring-concert/form

03/11/2026

Discover a forgotten musical milestone: when the Mendelssohn Glee Club teamed with Leopold Stokowski for the American premiere of Schoenberg’s Gurre-Lieder in 1932. A bold, “Herculean” collaboration that reshaped expectations—read the full story and archival details. https://wix.to/EVJSnHe

In the spring of 1932, the musical world’s eyes were fixed on a "colossal enterprise" that many believed was impossible: the American premiere of Arnold Schoenberg’s Gurre-Lieder. At the center of this storm was the Glee Club of New York, joining forces with the legendary Leopold Stokowski to br...

02/26/2026

Explore the life of Edward MacDowell — conductor, pioneer, and the man who brought "Bonnie Ann" into the Mendelssohn Glee Club repertoire. Read our new blog about his journey from New York prodigy to influential figure in American music, and how his legacy connects to our Spring Concert 2026. Read more: https://wix.to/3xnpUEx

As the Mendelssohn Glee Club prepares to perform "Bonnie Ann" at its Spring concert 2026, we look back at the life of the man who first brought this music to our rehearsal rooms. Edward MacDowell was more than just a conductor; he was a pioneer of American music whose life was defined by a bridge be...

02/09/2026

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