Role

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Ensemble

 

The Master Chorale of Washington is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1963, the choir has established itself as one of the premier choral groups in the United States, known for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. The Master Chorale of Washington was founded by conductor Robert Shafer, who served as the choir's artistic director for over 40 years. Shafer was a graduate of the Juilliard School and had previously conducted the Yale Glee Club and the Virginia Glee Club. He was inspired to start the Master Chorale of Washington after attending a performance by the Robert Shaw Chorale, which he found to be a transformative experience. The choir's early years were marked by a commitment to performing a wide range of choral music, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works. The choir quickly gained a reputation for its high level of musicianship and its ability to tackle challenging repertoire. In 1970, the choir was invited to perform at the White House for President Richard Nixon, an honor that helped to raise its profile and establish it as a leading choral ensemble. Over the years, the Master Chorale of Washington has collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors and orchestras. In 1984, the choir performed with the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Leonard Bernstein, in a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony that was broadcast on PBS. The choir has also performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. One of the choir's most notable collaborations was with composer John Adams, who wrote his choral work "Harmonium" specifically for the Master Chorale of Washington. The piece, which premiered in 1981, has since become a staple of the choral repertoire and has been performed by choirs around the world. In addition to its collaborations with orchestras and composers, the Master Chorale of Washington has also been recognized for its innovative programming. The choir has commissioned numerous new works from contemporary composers, including Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, and Tarik O'Regan. The choir has also explored the intersections between choral music and other art forms, such as dance and theater. Throughout its history, the Master Chorale of Washington has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1992, the choir was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America, the national service organization for choral music. The choir has also been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, including for its recording of "Harmonium" with the San Francisco Symphony. In recent years, the Master Chorale of Washington has continued to push the boundaries of choral music, under the leadership of artistic director Thea Kano. Kano, who took over as director in 2015, has continued the choir's tradition of innovative programming and collaboration with other artists. The choir has also expanded its outreach efforts, with programs aimed at bringing choral music to underserved communities and engaging young people in the art form. Today, the Master Chorale of Washington remains one of the most respected and innovative choral ensembles in the United States. With a commitment to excellence and a willingness to take risks, the choir continues to inspire audiences and push the boundaries of what choral music can be.

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