The Accademia di Santa Cecilia Children's Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Rome, Italy. Founded in 1956, the choir has become one of the most prestigious children's choirs in the world, known for its exceptional musical talent and dedication to preserving the rich tradition of classical music. The choir was established by the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, one of the oldest and most prestigious musical institutions in Italy. The Accademia was founded in 1585 by Pope Sixtus V and is named after Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. The institution has a long history of promoting and preserving classical music, and the creation of the children's choir was a natural extension of this mission. The founding director of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia Children's Choir was Roberto Colella, a renowned Italian conductor and composer. Colella was passionate about music education and believed that children had a unique ability to learn and perform classical music. He assembled a group of talented young singers and began training them in the art of choral singing. Over the years, the choir has had many talented members, including some who have gone on to become famous musicians in their own right. One of the most notable former members of the choir is Cecilia Bartoli, a world-renowned mezzo-soprano who has performed at some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. The Accademia di Santa Cecilia Children's Choir has performed at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. One of the choir's most memorable performances was at the Vatican in 1985, where they sang for Pope John Paul II. The choir has also performed at the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Proms in London. In addition to its many performances, the choir has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1995, the choir was awarded the prestigious Premio Abbiati, which is considered one of the highest honors in Italian music. The award recognized the choir's exceptional talent and dedication to preserving the tradition of classical music. The Accademia di Santa Cecilia Children's Choir has also released several recordings over the years, including a critically acclaimed album of Christmas music called "Natale con i bambini di Santa Cecilia" (Christmas with the Children of Santa Cecilia). The album features traditional Christmas carols and hymns, as well as some original compositions by Italian composers. Despite its many achievements, the Accademia di Santa Cecilia Children's Choir remains committed to its mission of promoting and preserving classical music. The choir continues to train young singers in the art of choral singing, and many of its members go on to pursue careers in music. The choir's dedication to excellence and its passion for classical music have made it one of the most respected and admired children's choirs in the world.

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