Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Zerotin Academic Choir is a classical music ensemble based in Olomouc, Czech Republic. The choir was founded in 1957 by a group of students from the Palacky University in Olomouc, who shared a passion for choral music. The ensemble was named after the Zerotin family, who were prominent figures in the history of Olomouc. The founding members of the choir were Jiri Chvatal, Jiri Koutny, and Jiri Skopal. They were soon joined by other students from the university, and the choir began to grow in size and reputation. In the early years, the choir focused on performing traditional Czech choral music, but soon expanded its repertoire to include works from other countries and periods. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was its participation in the International Choral Festival in Llangollen, Wales, in 1960. The choir won first prize in the mixed choir category, and its performance was praised for its precision, clarity, and emotional depth. Over the years, the Zerotin Academic Choir has become one of the most respected and renowned choral ensembles in the Czech Republic. The choir has performed in many prestigious venues and festivals, both in the Czech Republic and abroad. Some of the most notable performances include: - The choir's performance of Dvorak's Stabat Mater at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1991, as part of the BBC Proms series. The performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, and was widely praised for its power and beauty. - The choir's participation in the International Choral Festival in Cork, Ireland, in 1993. The choir won first prize in the mixed choir category, and its performance of works by Czech composers such as Janacek and Martinu was hailed as a highlight of the festival. - The choir's performance of Mozart's Requiem at the Salzburg Festival in 2006. The performance was conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, and featured soloists such as Magdalena Kozena and Rolando Villazon. The performance was widely praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. The Zerotin Academic Choir has also recorded many albums over the years, showcasing its versatility and range. Some of the most notable recordings include: - "Czech Choral Music", a collection of works by Czech composers such as Dvorak, Smetana, and Janacek. - "Christmas Carols from Around the World", a collection of traditional carols from countries such as England, France, and Germany. - "Mozart Requiem", a recording of the choir's performance at the Salzburg Festival in 2006. The Zerotin Academic Choir has been led by many talented conductors over the years, including Jiri Chvatal, Jiri Skopal, and Pavel Kühn. The current conductor of the choir is Jakub Martinec, who has been with the ensemble since 2015. Martinec is a graduate of the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno, and has conducted many other choral ensembles in the Czech Republic and abroad. The Zerotin Academic Choir has won many awards and accolades over the years, both in the Czech Republic and internationally. Some of the most notable awards include: - The Grand Prix at the International Choral Festival in Arezzo, Italy, in 1989. - The European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Tours, France, in 1994. - The Czech Music Council Award for Best Choral Ensemble in 2001. - The Janacek Prize for Artistic Achievement in 2010. The Zerotin Academic Choir continues to be a vibrant and dynamic force in the world of choral music.

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