About Una Vocis

About Una Vocis Choral Ensemble

Founded 2005 · Based in North Iowa

A Brief History of Una Vocis

Una Vocis Choral Ensemble was born out of Artistic Director Dennis Lee’s vision to create a mixed-voice choir in North Iowa with a level of musical depth and beauty worthy of the name “One of Voice.” What began in 2005 with 28 singers has since grown into a thriving, auditioned ensemble drawing members from communities across the region—some from towns of just a few hundred residents.

Una Vocis fosters a rich, creative environment that challenges its singers and cultivates a supportive musical community. Its members come from diverse walks of life—educators, healthcare workers, farmers, engineers, parents—and share a common love of exceptional choral music. The ensemble presents two major concerts each season and has been honored to serve as guest choir multiple times for the Iowa Choral Directors Association Summer Symposium.

Una Vocis is deeply committed to the creation and performance of new music. The group has premiered more than a dozen commissioned works and nearly thirty world premieres by composers from around the globe. From the ensemble’s first concert, which featured a premiere by Stephen Paulus, to subsequent collaborations with composers such as Alice Parker, Ola Gjeilo, Connor Koppin, Michael Betz, and Eric Whitacre, Una Vocis has continually championed the work of living composers.

In 2012, the ensemble released its first CD, In Sound, named after a set of art songs by Iowa composer Dr. William Backlin. The album’s airplay on Iowa Public Radio helped expand the group’s following and reputation across the state.

Expanding Access to Community Singing

In addition to its concert season, Una Vocis supports several initiatives to broaden access to community-based music-making in North Iowa. NordKor, a youth choir founded by a member of the organization, offers a vibrant space for young singers to grow as musicians and regularly joins Una Vocis in performance.

Newer projects include the formation of Beer Choir—an informal, high-energy community sing held monthly at a local brewery—and Summer Sing With Una Vocis, an opportunity for singers of all experience levels to rehearse and perform alongside current ensemble members in a welcoming summer concert setting. Both efforts reflect Una Vocis’ belief that singing belongs to everyone, and that building community through music is at the heart of its mission.

Dennis Lee, Founder and Artistic Director

Dennis Lee grew up in Mason City, Iowa and holds degrees from North Iowa Area Community College and Iowa State University, where he studied vocal music performance. Inspired by the power of choral music to connect, heal, and inspire, Dennis founded Una Vocis in 2005 as a creative outlet for both his own musical vision and the many talented singers of North Iowa.

In addition to his work with Una Vocis, Dennis serves as Choir Director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. His past musical leadership includes a 25-year tenure as Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, where he led numerous performances of Handel’s Messiah, as well as work with Waldorf University and local community theater productions.

Beyond music, Dennis is active on the boards of North Iowa Human Powered Trails and the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation. He enjoys mountain biking, waterskiing, and spending time with his family. Before returning to Mason City, Dennis and his wife lived in Seattle and sang with the Seattle Symphony Chorale.