Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

The San Francisco Girls Chorus is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their angelic voices for over 40 years. Founded in 1978 by Elizabeth Appling, the chorus has grown from a small group of 16 girls to a thriving organization with over 300 members. The San Francisco Girls Chorus was born out of a desire to provide young girls with the opportunity to learn and perform classical music at the highest level. Elizabeth Appling, a music educator and choral conductor, recognized the need for a girls-only choir in the San Francisco Bay Area. She believed that girls had a unique sound and could achieve a level of excellence that was not possible in a mixed choir. The chorus began with just 16 girls, ranging in age from 7 to 13 years old. They rehearsed in a small church in San Francisco and performed their first concert in December of 1978. The concert was a success, and the San Francisco Girls Chorus was officially born. Over the years, the chorus has grown in size and reputation. They have performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the San Francisco Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. They have also collaborated with famous composers such as Philip Glass, John Adams, and Meredith Monk. One of the highlights of the San Francisco Girls Chorus's career was their performance at the 1993 inauguration of President Bill Clinton. They were the first children's choir to perform at a presidential inauguration, and their rendition of "America the Beautiful" brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience. The San Francisco Girls Chorus has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1999, they were awarded the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America. This award recognizes outstanding choral organizations that have made significant contributions to the choral art. In addition to their performances and awards, the San Francisco Girls Chorus is also committed to music education. They offer a comprehensive training program for girls ages 5 to 18, which includes vocal technique, music theory, and performance skills. Many of their alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers in music, including opera singer Leah Crocetto and composer Lisa Bielawa. The San Francisco Girls Chorus has also been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusion in classical music. They have commissioned works by female composers and composers of color, and they have actively sought out opportunities to perform in underserved communities. In recent years, the San Francisco Girls Chorus has continued to push the boundaries of classical music. They have collaborated with electronic musicians and DJs, and they have performed in non-traditional venues such as museums and art galleries. Despite their many accomplishments, the San Francisco Girls Chorus remains committed to their mission of providing young girls with the opportunity to learn and perform classical music at the highest level. They continue to inspire audiences with their angelic voices and their commitment to excellence.

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