Country

:

United Kingdom

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

The City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus (CBSO Chorus) is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Birmingham, England. Founded in 1973, the chorus has established itself as one of the leading choral groups in the United Kingdom, performing with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) and other major orchestras around the world. The CBSO Chorus was founded by the late Sir Simon Rattle, who was then the music director of the CBSO. Rattle had a vision of creating a world-class chorus that would complement the orchestra's performances and enhance the overall musical experience for audiences. He recruited a group of talented singers from the local community and began rehearsing with them regularly. Over the years, the CBSO Chorus has grown in size and reputation, attracting singers from all over the UK and beyond. The chorus is made up of around 180 amateur singers, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. Members of the chorus come from all walks of life, but share a passion for choral music and a commitment to excellence. The CBSO Chorus has performed with some of the world's leading conductors and orchestras, including Sir Simon Rattle, Andris Nelsons, Gustavo Dudamel, and the Berlin Philharmonic. The chorus has also collaborated with many renowned soloists, such as Bryn Terfel, Jonas Kaufmann, and Angela Gheorghiu. One of the highlights of the CBSO Chorus's career was its performance of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem in 1989, which marked the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II. The performance, which was conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, was broadcast live on BBC television and received widespread critical acclaim. The chorus has also performed other major choral works, such as Handel's Messiah, Verdi's Requiem, and Mahler's Symphony No. 8. In addition to its performances with the CBSO, the chorus has also undertaken many international tours, performing in countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and Japan. The chorus has also recorded extensively, with over 30 CDs to its name, including recordings of Britten's War Requiem, Elgar's Dream of Gerontius, and Mahler's Symphony No. 8. The CBSO Chorus has won many awards and accolades over the years, including the prestigious Gramophone Award for Best Choral Recording in 1993 for its recording of Britten's War Requiem. The chorus has also been nominated for several other Gramophone Awards, as well as the Classical Brit Award for Best Choral Performance. The CBSO Chorus is currently led by its chorus director, Simon Halsey, who has been with the chorus since 1983. Halsey is a renowned choral conductor and has worked with many other leading choral groups, including the Berlin Radio Choir and the London Symphony Chorus. Under his leadership, the CBSO Chorus has continued to thrive and maintain its reputation as one of the UK's leading choral ensembles. In conclusion, the City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus is a world-class choral ensemble that has established itself as one of the leading choral groups in the UK. Founded by Sir Simon Rattle in 1973, the chorus has performed with some of the world's leading conductors and orchestras, and has won many awards and accolades for its recordings and performances. With its commitment to excellence and passion for choral music, the CBSO Chorus is sure to continue to delight audiences around the world for many years to come.

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