History

The Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus was founded in 1977 to promote quality choral music in the community and throughout central North Dakota. Since its inception, the chorus has expanded from a single concert to a season of four concert events, including An Evening at the Opera, An Evening on Broadway, the Christmas Concert, and the Spring Concert. In addition, the chorus regularly performs major works with the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra and the Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra, including "Carmina Burana", Mozart "Requiem", Vivaldi "Gloria", Schubert "Mass in G", and concert versions of "Peer Gynt" and "Carmen". The Civic Chorus performs in a variety of venues, from the Salvation Army Christmas Kick-off at Kirkwood Mall to state event such as the Roughrider Awards and the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Capitol. The chorus has also performed at community events such as the 9/11 Memorial Service and events of national significance such as the Anne Frank Memorial. In 1983, BMCC performed at the regional convention of the American Choral Directors Association in Lincoln, NE.

In 1998, during the 20th anniversary season, the chorus performed in Carnegie Hall in New York City. Civic Chorus members come from all walks of life, with the common bond of a love of choral singing. A number of members travel from outlying areas to attend the weekly rehearsals and regular performances.

Past BMCC Directors

1977-1980 Theodor Duda
1980-1982 Mark Meecham
1982-1985 Jeffrey Brewer
1985-1986 Kevin Lambert
1987-1989 William Franke
1989-1993 Gary Walth
1993-present Tom Porter
1997-1998 Brian Knudson (interim)