Since its inception in 1969, the MasterSingers (formerly “The Voices of Mel Olson” and later “Die Meistersingers”) have strived to nourish the health of choral arts in the region. Propelled by a fervent belief in the power of the choral experience, the group’s leadership has sought opportunities to transform its creative vision into reality, welcoming guest artists and conductors, producing record
ings and commissioning new works by choral greats such as John Rutter, Edwin Fissinger, Dale Grotenhius, Robert Beadell, Jackson Berkey, Boyd Bacon, Dick Palmer, Ric Swanson and Jim Elsberry. With a tradition of presenting a wide range of musical styles, the “New” MasterSingers have recently dedicated themselves to the art of jazz and pop ensemble singing. The change enables the group to hone in on the sounds of current groups such as Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices the Real Group and other outstanding groups of the genre, thus filling a musical void in the Omaha area. MasterSingers have appeared in several Nebraska and Iowa locations, and have performed with the SAC (now the Heartland of America) Band. A Christmas recording “Light of Love” was released in 1995, and the choral jazz recording “Friends” was released in the spring of 1997. The ensemble is composed of gifted singers from Omaha, eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Educators, artists, professionals, students - each brings a unique background to the group.
