Genre

:

Choral

 

The St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys is a renowned classical music ensemble based in New York City. Founded in 1919, the choir has a rich history of performing sacred music in the Anglican tradition, and has become one of the most respected choirs in the world. The choir was founded by Dr. T. Tertius Noble, an English organist and composer who had previously served as the organist and choirmaster at Ely Cathedral in England. Dr. Noble was invited to come to New York City to serve as the organist and choirmaster at St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue, and he quickly set about establishing a choir that would be worthy of the church's grandeur and reputation. Dr. Noble's vision was to create a choir that would perform the great choral works of the Anglican tradition, including the music of composers such as Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and Henry Purcell. He also wanted to establish a choir school that would provide a rigorous musical education to young boys, and would prepare them to become members of the choir. To achieve this vision, Dr. Noble recruited a group of talented young boys from the New York City area, and began training them in the art of choral singing. He also recruited a group of professional male singers to serve as the choir's adult members, and together they began performing at St. Thomas Church. The choir quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and began receiving invitations to perform at other churches and concert halls throughout the city. In 1921, the choir made its first appearance at Carnegie Hall, performing Handel's Messiah to great acclaim. Over the years, the St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys has become known for its impeccable musicianship and its commitment to the Anglican choral tradition. The choir has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Westminster Abbey in London, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and the White House in Washington, D.C. One of the highlights of the choir's history was its performance at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The choir was invited to sing at the funeral by Jacqueline Kennedy, and performed a moving rendition of the hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save." The choir has also been recognized for its recordings, which have won numerous awards and critical acclaim. In 2005, the choir's recording of Handel's Messiah won a Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance. Today, the St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys continues to be a vital part of the musical life of New York City. The choir performs regularly at St. Thomas Church, and also tours extensively throughout the United States and abroad. The choir school, which is now known as the Saint Thomas Choir School, continues to provide a rigorous musical education to young boys, and has produced many talented musicians who have gone on to successful careers in music. The current director of music at St. Thomas Church is Daniel Hyde, who took over the position in 2016. Under his leadership, the choir has continued to thrive, and has expanded its repertoire to include works from a wide range of musical traditions. In conclusion, the St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys is a remarkable ensemble with a rich history and a commitment to excellence in choral music. From its humble beginnings in 1919, the choir has grown into one of the most respected choirs in the world, and has played a significant role in the musical life of New York City and beyond.

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