Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

Cardiff Festival Choir is a renowned classical music artist that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over 50 years. The choir was founded in 1963 by John Hugh Thomas, a Welsh conductor and composer, with the aim of bringing together talented singers from across Cardiff to perform choral music of the highest standard. The choir started with just 40 members, but quickly grew in size and reputation, attracting singers from all over South Wales. Under the leadership of John Hugh Thomas, the choir developed a reputation for excellence, performing a wide range of choral music from the Renaissance to the present day. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was their performance of Handel's Messiah in 1965, which was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. This performance marked the beginning of a long tradition of performing major choral works, which has become a hallmark of the choir's repertoire. Over the years, the choir has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Sir Simon Rattle. They have also collaborated with many renowned soloists, including Bryn Terfel, Rebecca Evans, and Sir Willard White. One of the choir's most memorable performances was their appearance at the BBC Proms in 1999, where they performed a program of Welsh choral music to a packed Royal Albert Hall. This performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was widely praised for its energy, passion, and technical excellence. The choir has also been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the world of choral music, receiving numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1998, they were awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK. This award recognized the choir's commitment to promoting choral music and their contributions to the cultural life of Cardiff and South Wales. In addition to their performances, the choir is also committed to supporting the development of young singers and musicians. They have established a scholarship program to support talented young singers from South Wales, and they regularly collaborate with local schools and music organizations to provide opportunities for young people to experience and participate in choral music. Today, the Cardiff Festival Choir continues to be one of the leading choral ensembles in the UK, with a reputation for excellence that is recognized around the world. They continue to perform a wide range of choral music, from traditional Welsh hymns to contemporary works, and their commitment to promoting choral music and supporting young musicians remains as strong as ever.

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