Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Northern Sinfonia Chorus is a classical music ensemble based in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The chorus was founded in 1958 by Michael Hall, who was then the conductor of the Northern Sinfonia Orchestra. The ensemble was initially formed as a small group of amateur singers who would perform alongside the orchestra in concerts. However, over the years, the chorus grew in size and reputation, and it became a separate entity in its own right. The Northern Sinfonia Chorus is made up of around 120 singers, who are all volunteers. The chorus is led by chorus master Alan Fearon, who has been with the ensemble since 1990. Fearon is a highly respected choral conductor, and he has worked with many other choirs and orchestras throughout his career. Over the years, the Northern Sinfonia Chorus has performed a wide range of classical music, from early music to contemporary works. The ensemble has collaborated with many leading conductors and soloists, including Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Mark Elder, and Sir Thomas Allen. The chorus has also performed in many prestigious venues, both in the UK and abroad, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. One of the highlights of the Northern Sinfonia Chorus's career was its performance of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall in 1994. The concert was conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, and it was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. The performance was widely praised by critics, and it helped to establish the chorus's reputation as one of the leading choral ensembles in the UK. Another notable performance by the Northern Sinfonia Chorus was its collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2006. The chorus provided the music for a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest, which was directed by Rupert Goold. The production was highly acclaimed, and it won several awards, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Director. In addition to its performances, the Northern Sinfonia Chorus has also won several awards and accolades over the years. In 1999, the chorus was awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award that can be given to a voluntary group in the UK. The chorus was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009, for its recording of Handel's Messiah with the Northern Sinfonia Orchestra. Today, the Northern Sinfonia Chorus continues to be one of the leading choral ensembles in the UK. The chorus performs regularly with the Northern Sinfonia Orchestra, and it also gives its own concerts and recitals. The ensemble is known for its high standards of performance and its commitment to promoting classical music to a wider audience.

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