Role

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Ensemble

 

The Chorus of the Collegium Vocale, Ghent is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over five decades. The group was founded in 1969 by Philippe Herreweghe, a Belgian conductor and musician who had a passion for early music. Herreweghe's vision was to create a choir that would specialize in the performance of Baroque and Renaissance music, and he assembled a group of talented singers from the Ghent Conservatory to bring his vision to life. The early years of the Chorus of the Collegium Vocale, Ghent were marked by a series of successful performances in Belgium and throughout Europe. The group quickly gained a reputation for their impeccable musicianship and their ability to bring new life to centuries-old compositions. In 1972, the ensemble made their first recording, a collection of works by Johann Sebastian Bach that was widely praised by critics and helped to establish the group as one of the premier classical music ensembles in Europe. Over the years, the Chorus of the Collegium Vocale, Ghent has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. They have collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors and soloists, including Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Ton Koopman, and René Jacobs. The group has also recorded extensively, with over 100 albums to their credit, many of which have won critical acclaim and awards. One of the highlights of the Chorus of the Collegium Vocale, Ghent's career was their performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the 1985 Salzburg Festival. The performance was widely regarded as a triumph, with critics praising the group's "exquisite singing" and "impeccable musicianship." The group has also performed at other major festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Holland Festival, and the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence. In addition to their performances of Baroque and Renaissance music, the Chorus of the Collegium Vocale, Ghent has also explored other genres and time periods. They have performed works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, as well as contemporary composers such as György Ligeti and Arvo Pärt. The group's versatility and willingness to take risks has helped to keep them at the forefront of the classical music world. Throughout their career, the Chorus of the Collegium Vocale, Ghent has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1990, they were awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for their recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor. They have also been awarded the Diapason d'Or, the Edison Award, and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik, among others. In 2010, the group was awarded the prestigious Praetorius Music Prize, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of music. Today, the Chorus of the Collegium Vocale, Ghent continues to perform and record, under the direction of Philippe Herreweghe. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for music has made them one of the most respected and beloved classical music ensembles in the world.

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