Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Marsh Chapel Choir, Boston University is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its soulful performances for over 70 years. The choir was founded in 1948 by Dr. Archibald T. Davison, who was the Dean of the School of Music at Boston University at the time. The choir was initially formed to provide music for the Sunday services at the Marsh Chapel, which is the university's chapel. Over the years, the Marsh Chapel Choir has grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the most respected choral ensembles in the United States. The choir is made up of approximately 60 singers, including students, faculty, and staff from Boston University, as well as members of the wider Boston community. One of the highlights of the Marsh Chapel Choir's history was its performance at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as President of the United States in 1961. The choir was invited to perform at the inauguration by Kennedy himself, who was a graduate of Boston University. The choir's performance of the hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" was broadcast live on national television and was widely praised for its beauty and solemnity. In addition to its performance at the presidential inauguration, the Marsh Chapel Choir has also performed at numerous other high-profile events and venues. The choir has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Royal Albert Hall in London, among others. The choir has also collaborated with many renowned conductors and orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Handel and Haydn Society. The Marsh Chapel Choir has received numerous awards and accolades over the years for its outstanding performances. In 2017, the choir was awarded the American Prize in Choral Performance, which is one of the most prestigious awards in the field of choral music. The choir has also been recognized for its recordings, including its album "Christmas at Marsh Chapel," which was named one of the top classical Christmas albums of 2016 by the Boston Globe. One of the unique aspects of the Marsh Chapel Choir is its commitment to performing a diverse range of music, including both traditional and contemporary works. The choir has premiered many new works by contemporary composers, including John Harbison, Daniel Pinkham, and Carson Cooman. The choir has also performed works by many of the great composers of the classical music canon, including Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven. The Marsh Chapel Choir is led by its current director, Dr. Scott Allen Jarrett, who is also the Director of Music at the Marsh Chapel. Dr. Jarrett is a highly respected conductor and music educator, and has led the choir to new heights of excellence since taking over as director in 2012. Under his leadership, the choir has continued to expand its repertoire and has performed many new works by contemporary composers. In addition to its performances, the Marsh Chapel Choir is also committed to music education and outreach. The choir regularly hosts workshops and masterclasses for students and community members, and also performs at local schools and community centers. The choir's commitment to music education and outreach has helped to inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers in the Boston area and beyond.

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