Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

Chester Festival Chorus is a renowned classical music artist that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over 50 years. The choir was founded in 1972 by conductor Graham Jordan Ellis, who had a vision of creating a choir that would bring together the best singers in the region to perform a wide range of choral music. The choir started with just 40 members, but quickly grew in size and reputation. Over the years, the choir has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the UK, including the Royal Albert Hall, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. They have also toured extensively, performing in countries such as France, Germany, and Italy. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was their performance of Handel's Messiah in Chester Cathedral in 1974. This was the first time the choir had performed in the cathedral, and it was a huge success. The performance was so well-received that it became an annual event, and the choir has continued to perform Messiah in the cathedral every year since. In 1980, the choir was invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the International Festival of Music and the Arts. This was a huge honor for the choir, and they rose to the occasion with a stunning performance of Verdi's Requiem. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the choir as one of the leading choral groups in the UK. Over the years, the choir has worked with some of the most talented conductors and soloists in the world of classical music. They have collaborated with conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, and Sir Neville Marriner, and soloists such as Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, and James Bowman. In 1992, the choir was awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. This award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a voluntary group in the UK, and it was a testament to the choir's dedication and commitment to the art of choral music. In 2002, the choir celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special concert at Chester Cathedral. The concert featured a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which was conducted by Graham Jordan Ellis. The concert was a huge success, and it was a fitting tribute to the choir's achievements over the past three decades. In recent years, the choir has continued to go from strength to strength. They have performed at a number of high-profile events, including the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. They have also released several critically acclaimed recordings, including a recording of Handel's Messiah that was praised for its clarity and precision. Today, the choir is led by conductor Martin Bussey, who took over from Graham Jordan Ellis in 2015. Under Bussey's leadership, the choir has continued to push the boundaries of choral music, performing a wide range of repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day. In conclusion, Chester Festival Chorus is a true gem of the classical music world. Their dedication, talent, and passion for choral music have made them one of the most respected and admired choirs in the UK. With over 50 years of history behind them, and a bright future ahead, the choir is sure to continue delighting audiences for many years to come.

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