OK City Chorus Hits a High Note With Another Top 10 World Finish

~~ Submitted by Cindy Allen ~~

The award-winning OK City Chorus is riding high after another show-stopping performance on the international stage. The all-female a cappella ensemble, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026, recently returned from Columbus, Ohio, where it earned a coveted Top 10 finish at the Sweet Adelines International Competition — ranking ninth in the world.

It’s not the first time they’ve done it. This marks the second time in back-to-back competition
appearances that OK City Chorus has earned a spot among the top 10 in the world — both a testament to their musical excellence.

For seven decades, the chorus has entertained, educated and empowered through the uniquely American art form of a cappella barbershop harmony. From tender ballads and to high-powered up-tunes from all music genres, OK City Chorus delivers a dynamic sound wrapped in precision and personality.

Competing against powerhouse choruses from across the globe, OK City Chorus once again proved that Oklahoma’s got harmony — and a whole lot of heart. Known for its dazzling blend of powerhouse vocals, fierce choreography and infectious energy, the group turns every performance into a full-scale celebration of music, sisterhood, and showmanship.

At this year’s competition, the group captivated the crowd with a semi-final set featuring the tender ballad “All the Things” and the upbeat classic “Got the Sun in the Morning.” In the finals, the chorus took the audience on a dazzling circus-themed ride. “With Big Top barbershop, confidence, and a place for everyone… OK City Chorus brought the greatest show on Earth,” Sweet Adelines International posted on its official Facebook page.

Founded in 1956, OK City Chorus will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year. The group is Oklahoma’s premier women’s a cappella ensemble and a proud chapter of Sweet Adelines International, one of the largest singing organizations for women in the world. For seven decades, the chorus has entertained, educated and empowered through the uniquely American art form of barbershop harmony.

From tender ballads to high-powered up-tunes, OK City Chorus delivers a dynamic sound wrapped in precision and personality. With more than 80 voices strong, the ensemble turns every performance into a full-throttle celebration of harmony, sisterhood, and pure showmanship — the kind of energy that jumps off the stage and pulls the audience right into the music.

Director Mary Rhea said the experience was one the chorus will never forget.

“This group never stops pushing the limits of what barbershop can be,” she said. “Every woman on that stage gave her whole heart. That’s what connects with audiences — and to be named among the world’s best again is both humbling and thrilling.”

Over the years, OK City Chorus has collected numerous regional championships and represented Oklahoma on the international stage multiple times. The chorus performs throughout the year at civic, cultural and charitable events, bringing harmony to communities across the metro.

And while they’ve earned plenty of accolades, it’s the friendships, laughter and shared love of music that keep these singers coming back week after week.

“After 70 years, we’re still doing what we love — singing, performing and lifting each other up,” Rhea said. “That’s what Sweet Adelines is really all about.”

For more information about joining or upcoming performances, visit www.okcity.org or follow the chorus on Facebook and Instagram @okcitychorus.

Did You Know?

• Oklahoma’s Harmony Heritage: OK City Chorus was founded in 1956, making it one of the state’s longest-running performing arts organizations.
• 70 Years of Song: The chorus will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026, marking seven decades of bringing four-part harmony to stages across Oklahoma and beyond.
• Top 10: OK City Chorus has earned two recent international Top 10 finishes, placing ninth in both 2023 and 2025 at the Sweet Adelines International Competition.
• International Sisterhood: The chorus is part of Sweet Adelines International, one of the world’s largest organizations for women singers, with members in more than 20 countries.
• Community Connection: In addition to international competition, OK City Chorus performs year-round at local events, civic events and charitable fundraisers — sharing harmony throughout the Oklahoma City metro.
• Join the Fun: Women of all musical backgrounds are welcome. Learn more at www.okcity.org or follow @okcitychorus on Facebook and Instagram.