Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The St. James Cathedral Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Seattle, Washington. The choir has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1903, and has since become one of the most respected and celebrated choirs in the Pacific Northwest. The choir was founded by the Reverend John B. A. Brouillet, who served as the first rector of St. James Cathedral. Reverend Brouillet was a passionate musician and recognized the importance of music in worship. He established the choir as a way to enhance the liturgical experience and to provide a platform for talented musicians to showcase their skills. Over the years, the choir has had many talented members, including some who have gone on to achieve great success in the music industry. One of the most notable members of the choir was Margaret Hillis, who served as the choir director from 1947 to 1951. Hillis went on to become the founder and director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and was widely regarded as one of the most influential choral conductors of the 20th century. Today, the St. James Cathedral Choir is led by Michael Kleinschmidt, who has served as the choir director since 2010. Kleinschmidt is a highly respected conductor and musician, and has led the choir to many successful performances and accolades. One of the highlights of the choir's history was its performance at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. The choir was invited to perform at the fair's opening ceremony, which was attended by President John F. Kennedy. The choir's performance was widely praised, and helped to establish the choir's reputation as one of the finest in the region. In addition to its performance at the World's Fair, the St. James Cathedral Choir has performed at many other notable events and venues over the years. The choir has performed at the Seattle Symphony, the Seattle Opera, and the Benaroya Hall, among others. The choir has also toured extensively, performing in cities across the United States and Europe. The St. James Cathedral Choir has received many awards and honors over the years. In 2015, the choir was awarded the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America. The award recognizes choirs that demonstrate exceptional artistic quality and contribute to the advancement of the choral art form. The choir has also been recognized for its commitment to community outreach and education. The choir regularly performs at local schools and community events, and has established a scholarship program to support young musicians in the Seattle area. Overall, the St. James Cathedral Choir has a rich history and a bright future. The choir's commitment to excellence and community engagement has made it a beloved institution in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. With Michael Kleinschmidt at the helm, the choir is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for many years to come.

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