Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Opera

 

Dessoff Choirs is a classical music artist that has been a prominent figure in the choral music scene for over 90 years. The choir was founded in 1924 by Margarete Dessoff, a German-born conductor and pianist who had previously worked with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. Dessoff Choirs has since become one of the most respected and renowned choral ensembles in the United States, known for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. The early years of Dessoff Choirs were marked by a commitment to performing a wide range of choral music, from the Renaissance to contemporary works. Under Margarete Dessoff's leadership, the choir quickly gained a reputation for its high standards of musicianship and its dedication to exploring new and challenging repertoire. In 1930, Dessoff Choirs performed the world premiere of Arnold Schoenberg's "Friede auf Erden," a groundbreaking work that helped establish the choir's reputation as a champion of contemporary music. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Dessoff Choirs continued to grow and evolve under Margarete Dessoff's leadership. The choir performed regularly at Carnegie Hall and other prestigious venues, and collaborated with some of the most prominent composers and conductors of the day. In 1944, Dessoff Choirs performed the American premiere of Benjamin Britten's "Rejoice in the Lamb," a work that has since become a staple of the choral repertoire. After Margarete Dessoff's death in 1944, the choir went through a period of transition as it searched for a new conductor. In 1946, the choir appointed Paul Boepple as its new music director, and under his leadership, Dessoff Choirs continued to thrive. Boepple was known for his innovative programming and his commitment to exploring new and challenging repertoire, and he led the choir in many memorable performances over the course of his 25-year tenure. One of the highlights of Boepple's tenure was the choir's performance of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" in 1959. This performance, which featured a stellar cast of soloists and instrumentalists, was widely acclaimed as one of the finest interpretations of the work ever heard in the United States. Other notable performances during Boepple's tenure included the American premiere of Francis Poulenc's "Stabat Mater" in 1952, and the world premiere of William Schuman's "Carols of Death" in 1961. In 1971, Dessoff Choirs appointed a new music director, Paul Boepple's protégé, Johannes Somary. Somary continued the choir's tradition of innovative programming and high standards of musicianship, and under his leadership, Dessoff Choirs continued to perform at the highest level. Somary was particularly known for his expertise in the music of Bach, and he led the choir in many memorable performances of Bach's choral works. One of the highlights of Somary's tenure was the choir's performance of Bach's "Mass in B Minor" in 1985. This performance, which featured a stellar cast of soloists and instrumentalists, was widely acclaimed as one of the finest interpretations of the work ever heard in the United States. Other notable performances during Somary's tenure included the American premiere of Krzysztof Penderecki's "Credo" in 1975, and the world premiere of David Del Tredici's "Final Alice" in 1976. In 1994, Dessoff Choirs appointed a new music director, Christopher Shepard.

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