Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

The Moores School Concerto Chorale is a classical music ensemble based in Houston, Texas. The group was founded in 1985 by Dr. Betsy Cook Weber, who currently serves as the director of choral studies at the University of Houston's Moores School of Music. Dr. Weber's vision for the Moores School Concerto Chorale was to create a group that would provide students with the opportunity to perform major choral works with a professional orchestra. The ensemble is made up of graduate and undergraduate students from the Moores School of Music, as well as community members who audition for a spot in the group. Over the years, the Moores School Concerto Chorale has become known for its high level of musicianship and its commitment to performing challenging works from the classical repertoire. The group has performed with some of the world's leading conductors and soloists, and has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances. One of the highlights of the Moores School Concerto Chorale's early years was its performance of Mozart's Requiem in D minor in 1987. The group was joined by the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and the performance was conducted by Christoph Eschenbach. The concert was a huge success, and helped to establish the Moores School Concerto Chorale as one of the premier choral ensembles in the region. In the years that followed, the Moores School Concerto Chorale continued to perform major works from the classical repertoire, including Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Brahms' Requiem, and Handel's Messiah. The group also began to collaborate with other ensembles, including the Houston Symphony Chorus and the Houston Masterworks Chorus. One of the Moores School Concerto Chorale's most memorable performances came in 2001, when the group performed Verdi's Requiem with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. The concert was conducted by Hans Graf, and featured soloists including soprano Christine Goerke and bass-baritone Eric Owens. The performance was widely praised for its emotional intensity and musical precision, and helped to cement the Moores School Concerto Chorale's reputation as one of the finest choral ensembles in the country. In addition to its performances with professional orchestras, the Moores School Concerto Chorale has also been recognized for its work in the community. The group has performed at numerous schools and churches throughout the Houston area, and has collaborated with local organizations to promote music education and appreciation. Over the years, the Moores School Concerto Chorale has received numerous awards and honors for its performances. In 2003, the group was named the Grand Prize Winner of the National Choral Competition sponsored by Chorus America. The following year, the group was invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association National Convention in Los Angeles. In 2010, the Moores School Concerto Chorale was invited to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. The group performed Brahms' Requiem with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, and received a standing ovation from the audience. The concert was a major milestone for the group, and helped to raise its profile on the national stage. Today, the Moores School Concerto Chorale continues to be one of the most respected choral ensembles in the country. The group performs regularly with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and has collaborated with some of the world's leading conductors and soloists.

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