St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus
The St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus is an auditioned ensemble of volunteer singers that performs a variety of musical styles, with a focus on the interpretation, performance, and preservation of music from the African diaspora.
Founded in 1994 by Dr. Robert Ray as an extension of the SLSO’s IN UNISON community engagement initiative, the IN UNISON Chorus performs several times each year with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and throughout the community. Many Chorus members come from IN UNISON Program partner churches and sing in other vocal ensembles or church choirs. All share a love of music.
Bayer Fund has supported the Chorus since its inception. The Chorus has been led by Kevin McBeth since 2011.
Explore more about the IN UNISON Chorus
Singers & Staff
The 100+ members of the IN UNISON Chorus come from all walks of life, uniting to perform and preserve Black American musical expression.
Auditions
Auditions for the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus take place periodically throughout the season.
Chorus History
The IN UNISON Chorus was founded in 1994 for one performance but was quickly made a permanent SLSO ensemble.
IN UNISON Church Program
For more than 30 years, the SLSO has sponsored the IN UNISON church program, a beautiful partnership with 33 predominantly African-American churches throughout the greater St. Louis area.
Young Artists
Awarded through a competitive audition process, the Young Artists position was created to foster the development of vocalists under age 30.
The IN UNISON Delores Greathouse Scholarship
This scholarship honors the memory of Delores Greathouse, former IN UNISON Chorus Manager and St. Louis Public School music educator, and is awarded annually to African American undergraduate students who participate in a music ensemble.
Acclaim for the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus
“The joy I had when I came off that stage…it was a grand ole’ time.” –Jenifer Lewis, guest artist, March 2021
“There’s an unmatched power and vibrancy of human voices raised en masse, and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus transformed Powell Hall into a sanctuary of soulful celebration.” –Chas Adams, PopLifeSTL, December 2022
“Throughout the evening it was a joy not only to hear the chorus, but to see the great enthusiasm and happiness with which the members sing.” –Steve Callahan, KDHX, December 2022
The IN UNISON Chorus is supported by:
