Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over four decades. Founded in 1970 by Robert Shaw, the ensemble has become one of the most respected and sought-after choral groups in the United States. Robert Shaw, a legendary conductor and choral music educator, was the driving force behind the formation of the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus. Shaw had a long and illustrious career in the music industry, having conducted some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and choirs. He was also a passionate advocate for choral music education and believed that every community should have access to high-quality choral performances. With this vision in mind, Shaw founded the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus as a professional ensemble that would perform alongside the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble was made up of 32 singers, all of whom were handpicked by Shaw for their exceptional vocal abilities and musicianship. The Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus quickly gained a reputation for its outstanding performances, which were characterized by their precision, clarity, and emotional depth. The ensemble's repertoire was diverse, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, and it was known for its ability to bring out the best in every piece it performed. Over the years, the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus has had many talented members, including some of the most accomplished choral singers in the country. Some of the ensemble's most notable members have included sopranos Sylvia McNair and Dawn Upshaw, mezzo-soprano Marietta Simpson, tenor Vinson Cole, and bass-baritone John Cheek. The Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus has also had many highlights in its long and illustrious history. One of the ensemble's most memorable performances was its rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in 1988, which was conducted by Robert Shaw himself. The performance was widely acclaimed and is still considered one of the greatest choral performances of all time. Another notable performance by the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus was its collaboration with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Ballet in 1995. The ensemble performed Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, which was choreographed by John McFall and received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. The Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus has also been recognized for its exceptional performances with numerous awards and accolades. In 1989, the ensemble won a Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance for its recording of Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil. The ensemble has also been nominated for several other Grammy Awards over the years, including Best Classical Album and Best Classical Vocal Performance. In addition to its Grammy Award, the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus has also been recognized with several other prestigious awards. In 1991, the ensemble was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America, and in 2003, it received the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. Today, the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus continues to be a leading force in the world of choral music. The ensemble is currently led by director Norman Mackenzie, who has been with the group since 2000.

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