Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

The Choir of Uppingham School is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over a century. The choir has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s when it was first established. The Uppingham School is a prestigious independent school located in the town of Uppingham, Rutland, England. The school was founded in 1584 and has a long-standing tradition of excellence in academics, sports, and the arts. The school's music program has been a significant part of its curriculum since its inception, and the choir has been an integral part of the music program. The choir was founded in 1906 by the then Director of Music, Dr. George Guest. Dr. Guest was a renowned musician and conductor who had a vision of creating a world-class choir that would rival the best in the world. He handpicked the best singers from the school and trained them rigorously to achieve his vision. Under Dr. Guest's leadership, the choir quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and their performances were highly sought after. The choir's repertoire included a wide range of classical music, including works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven. They also performed contemporary music and commissioned new works from up-and-coming composers. Over the years, the choir has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and the Royal Albert Hall. They have also toured extensively, performing in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan. One of the highlights of the choir's history was their performance at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The choir was selected to perform at the ceremony, and their rendition of Handel's "Zadok the Priest" was widely praised. The performance was broadcast live on television, and it helped to cement the choir's reputation as one of the best in the world. The choir has also won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1964, they were awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for their recording of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion." They have also won several awards at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales, including the Choir of the World title in 2006. The choir has had several notable directors over the years, including Dr. George Guest, Dr. Barry Rose, and Dr. Stephen Cleobury. Dr. Cleobury, who served as the choir's director from 1982 to 1995, went on to become the director of music at King's College, Cambridge, and was widely regarded as one of the best choral conductors of his generation. Today, the choir continues to thrive under the leadership of their current director, Dr. Stephen Williams. Dr. Williams, who has been the director since 2010, is a highly respected conductor and musician who has worked with some of the best choirs in the world. The choir's repertoire has expanded over the years to include a wide range of music, including contemporary works and arrangements of popular songs. They continue to perform at prestigious venues and events, and their recordings are highly regarded by critics and music lovers alike. In conclusion, the Choir of Uppingham School is a world-class ensemble that has a rich history and a bright future. Their dedication to excellence and their commitment to the art of choral music have made them one of the best choirs in the world.

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