The Duquesne Choirs maintain an extensive performance agenda focused on artistic excellence, community partnership, and service to the University. Under the leadership of Dr. Caron Daley since 2015,  the choirs perform throughout Pittsburgh and the region, including recent collaborations with the River City Brass Band, Arsenal Duo, Kassia Ensemble, and Pittsburgh Youth Chorus. Each Christmas, the choirs join forces with the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, and Jazz Ensemble for Christmas at Duquesne, the School’s largest public performance. The Duquesne Choirs are open to all undergraduate and graduate music majors and to non-music majors with choral experience.

Voices of Spirit

Voices of Spirit, the university’s chamber and touring choir, is regularly invited to perform off-campus, including 2016 and 2022 performances with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, tours in 2017 (Pennsylvania), 2018 (New York), and 2020 (Ontario and Québec), and recent appearances in Johnstown, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, and Philadelphia. In 2018, the choir served as ensemble-in-residence for the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Division Conference Conducting Masterclasses. In 2019, Voices of Spirit performed Canadian Music at the National Collegiate Choral Organization Conference (College Park, Maryland) and in 2023, I will be your Refuge at the National Association for Music Education Eastern Division Conference (Rochester, NY). In November 2024, Voices of Spirit will perform Boundless Voices at the College Music Society National Conference in Washington, D.C. The choir’s first full-length album, “Wake up my Spirit”, celebrates the Spiritan traditions of Duquesne University, and will be available on digital channels in October 2024.

Pappert Chorale

Pappert Chorale, the university’s symphonic choir, represents students in all music degree programs and majors from across the university. The choir performs repertoire from a wide range of historical periods and musical styles and is regularly featured on Pittsburgh area concert series. Recent performance highlights include Poulenc’s Gloria (2024) and Hailstork’s I will lift up mine eyes (2022) with the Duquesne University Orchestra and Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass with Duquesne’s jazz program (2023).

Just Released: Wake Up My Spirit, the debut album of the Voices of Spirit

Under the direction of Dr. Caron Daley since 2015, Duquesne University's Voices of Spirit maintains a diverse performance schedule of invited performances across the region, campus-based concerts, and partnerships with area arts organizations. On October 1, 2024, the choir released its first album, “Wake up my Spirit,” featuring music that celebrates the Spiritan traditions of Duquesne University. "Wake Up My Spirit" is available to purchase on iTunes and Amazon Music.

Choral Leadership

Dr. Caron Daley

Director of Choral Activities

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Upcoming Choir Events

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Voices of Spirit

Caron Daley, Director of Choral ActivitiesAdmission$10 Suggested Donation (at the door)

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  • First Evangelical English Lutheran Church
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Sing Like a Planet

Voices of Spirit & Pappert ChoraleCaron Daley, Director of Choral Activities Join...

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  • Westminster Presbyterian Church
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Boundless Voices: College Music Society National Conference Showcase Concert

Voices of SpiritCaron Daley, Director of Choral Activities Duquesne University's Voices...

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  • Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center (auditorium)
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The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents Home Alone: In Concert

Featuring members of the Duquesne Choirs (Trebles Only) with the PSO for performances...

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  • Heinz Hall
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A group of people wearing black walk on Duquesne's campus.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents Home Alone: In Concert

Featuring members of the Duquesne Choirs (Trebles Only) with the PSO for performances...

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  • Heinz Hall
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Duquesne - Pittsburgh Connection

I always loved performing at Trinity Cathedral. Being able to perform in such a beautiful building in the heart of Pittsburgh with such amazing musicians was a great blessing. 

Emma PearsonB.S. Music Education, 2020

Pittsburgh provides remarkable performance opportunities for students in the choirs. Each year, students sing in unique spaces across the city, experiencing exquisite acoustics and sharing music with diverse audiences. We also enjoy frequent collaborations with area schools, community partners, and professional arts organizations.

Dr. Caron DaleyDirector of Choral Activities