Country

:

Germany

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

The MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Leipzig, Germany. Founded in 1946, the choir has established itself as one of the most distinguished choral groups in Europe, with a rich history of performances and awards. The MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus was established shortly after the end of World War II, as part of the newly formed Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR) broadcasting network. The choir was initially made up of just 16 singers, but quickly grew in size and reputation under the leadership of its first conductor, Herbert Kegel. Kegel, who served as the choir's principal conductor from 1949 until his death in 1990, was instrumental in shaping the ensemble's sound and style. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to the highest standards of musicianship, which helped to establish the MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus as a leading force in the world of choral music. Over the years, the choir has worked with many of the world's leading conductors and orchestras, and has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals around the globe. Some of the ensemble's most notable collaborations include performances with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Gewandhaus Orchestra, and the Leipzig Bach Festival. In addition to its work with other musicians and ensembles, the MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus has also established itself as a formidable force in its own right. The choir has recorded numerous albums and has won many awards for its performances, including the prestigious Echo Klassik award in 2010 for its recording of Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem. One of the choir's most notable achievements came in 1989, when it performed Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the historic Leipzig Gewandhaus concert hall. The performance, which was conducted by Kurt Masur and featured soloists such as Jessye Norman and Siegfried Jerusalem, was a powerful symbol of hope and unity in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall. In recent years, the MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus has continued to build on its legacy of excellence, under the leadership of its current principal conductor, Risto Joost. Joost, who took over the choir in 2015, has been praised for his innovative programming and his commitment to exploring new and diverse repertoire. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus has continued to perform and record music, adapting to the new realities of the digital age. The choir's recent performances have included a virtual rendition of Handel's Messiah, which was broadcast online to audiences around the world. Today, the MDR Leipzig Radio Chorus remains one of the most respected and admired choral ensembles in Europe, with a rich history of performances and awards that reflect its commitment to excellence and its dedication to the art of choral music.

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