Role

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Ensemble

 

The Boys of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, are a renowned choir of young male singers who have been performing classical music for over 500 years. The choir is made up of boys aged between 8 and 13 years old, who attend the Christ Church Cathedral School in Oxford, England. The history of the choir dates back to the 16th century, when the boys of Christ Church Cathedral were first recorded as singing at services in the cathedral. Over the centuries, the choir has become one of the most prestigious in the world, with a reputation for excellence in choral music. The boys of Christ Church Cathedral are trained in the English choral tradition, which emphasizes a pure, clear sound and a seamless blend of voices. They sing a wide range of music, from medieval chants to contemporary compositions, and are known for their performances of works by composers such as Handel, Bach, and Mozart. One of the highlights of the choir's history was their performance at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The boys sang the hymn "I was glad" by Hubert Parry, which has become a traditional part of British coronations. The performance was broadcast on television and heard by millions of people around the world, cementing the choir's reputation as one of the finest in the world. The choir has also performed at many other prestigious events, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, and the funeral of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 2013. They have also toured extensively, performing in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Japan. In addition to their performances, the boys of Christ Church Cathedral have also won numerous awards for their recordings. They have released over 100 albums, many of which have been critically acclaimed and have won awards such as the Gramophone Award and the Diapason d'Or. The choir's current director is Stephen Darlington, who has been with the choir since 1985. Under his leadership, the choir has continued to maintain its high standards of excellence and has expanded its repertoire to include more contemporary works. Despite their long history and many achievements, the boys of Christ Church Cathedral remain humble and dedicated to their craft. They continue to inspire audiences around the world with their beautiful music and are a testament to the power of classical music to transcend time and place.

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