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From the Glee Club to the Harkness Center: The Artistry of Jon Pohlmann



In the Mendelssohn Glee Club (MGC), the man standing in the row next to you is often more than just a fine singer—he is a creative force whose work has graced some of New York’s most prestigious stages. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Jon Pohlmann, a long-standing member of our ensemble and a composer whose reach extends from the traditional TTBB choral world to the cutting edge of contemporary dance. He follows in the footsteps of Burleigh and Oley Speaks, who sang with the group as well as composed for us.


A Voice in the Ranks

Jon Pohlmann is far more than just a name on a musical score; he is a vital, "boots-on-the-ground" presence within the ensemble. His extensive credits—spanning off-Broadway, film, and television—inform the many choral pieces he has composed for The Mendelssohn Glee Club, but it is his experience as a singer that truly sets his work apart. By standing in the ranks, Jon gains a firsthand perspective on the nuances of vocal blend, phrasing, and the physical stamina a demanding program requires. This deep understanding of the singer’s craft ensures that every note he writes is as rewarding to perform as it is for the audience to hear.


Composing for the "Home Team"

Writing for an ensemble you sing with is a unique challenge. You aren't writing for an abstract group of voices; you are writing for the people standing to your left and right. Jon’s compositions for the group are characterized by:

  • Vocal Intuition: Paying strict attention to the range and tessitura that allows the voices to shine without unnecessary strain.

  • Structural Elegance: Moving seamlessly between traditional choral foundations and contemporary harmonic colors.

  • Personal Connection: His pieces often feel like a custom-tailored suit—designed specifically to fit the unique "sonic thumbprint" of this particular group of men.


A Modern Voice for the Male Chorus

Writing for a male chorus requires a knowledge of resonance and vocal color. As a singer within the MGC, Jon possesses an "insider's ear." His compositions for the group are not just technical exercises; they are tailored to the specific power and warmth of the TTBB sound.


In our upcoming concert, we are proud to feature two of his significant works:

  • Psalm 130: A profound setting that demonstrates Jon's ability to handle sacred texts with contemporary sensitivity.

  • Men of the Maritime: A piece that captures the strength and tradition of the male choral legacy while infusing it with his signature harmonic style.


Jon Pohlmann’s contributions to the repertoire go beyond just adding new notes to the folder; they bring a specific rhythmic energy and modern flair to the group's sound.


The Rhythm of the Group: "Rhythm and Rhyme"

Over the years, the Club has been the fortunate "living laboratory" for much of Jon's work. He wrote a wonderful piece accompanied by a brass quintet, The Salvation Army Band Song, which has been performed three times, And long-time audience members may remember the rhythmic drive of "Rhythm and Rhyme." This composition is a masterclass in how Jon utilizes his knowledge of the ensemble to create something that feels both fresh and familiar.


  • The Interaction: By pairing the voices with the soaring lines of a violin, Jon creates a texture that lifts the traditional male chorus sound into something more cinematic.

  • The Complexity: The piece lives up to its name, challenging the singers with intricate rhythmic patterns that require the kind of precision the group is known for.


New Music / New Dance: The Harkness Connection

The depth of Jon’s talent was notably recognized in his collaboration with choreographer Julia Simonne. In a program titled New Music/New Dance at the Harkness Center for Dance, Jon’s music was featured in an ambitious evening dedicated to the intersection of contemporary sound and movement.


The New York Times took note of this collaboration, highlighting Julia Simonne’s sincere commitment to 20th-century music. For a composer, having work featured in such a context—reviewed by the city's paper of record alongside pop and symphonic innovators—is a testament to the sophistication of Jon's musical mind. Jack Anderson, the reviewer, said, “These ears were particularly charmed by Mr. Pohlmann's bell-like chimings.”


Why the "Harkness Edge" Matters

The Harkness Center was a hub of mid-century innovation, and bringing that "balletic" sensibility back to the MGC gives Jon’s choral pieces a unique energy. Whether he is writing for the stage or the sanctuary, his work carries a sense of:


  • Rhythmic Vitality: A composer who writes for dance understands how to make music move.

  • Dramatic Narrative: His pieces often feel like scenes unfolding, inviting the audience into a story rather than just a song.


Works like these, alongside his other pieces, such as Psalm 130 or Men of the Maritime, which you will hear on May 12th, show the incredible breadth of Jon’s talent. It moves the audience from the spiritual and the traditional into the world of modern performance art.


Celebrating One of Our Own

As we prepare for the 160th Anniversary Concert on May 12, we are honored to sing the notes penned by a colleague who has contributed so significantly to the New York arts landscape. When you hear Jon Pohlmann’s music on our program, you aren't just hearing a choral arrangement—you are hearing the work of a composer who has helped define the sound of modern New York.

 
 
 

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