Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

The Los Angeles Music Center Opera Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over five decades. The chorus was founded in 1964 by William Vendice, who served as the chorus master for over 30 years. Since its inception, the chorus has been an integral part of the Los Angeles Opera, performing in numerous productions and collaborating with some of the most celebrated conductors and soloists in the world. The Los Angeles Music Center Opera Chorus has grown significantly over the years, both in terms of size and reputation. Today, the chorus comprises over 100 members, all of whom are highly skilled and experienced singers. The chorus has also expanded its repertoire, performing a wide range of operas, oratorios, and choral works from different periods and styles. One of the highlights of the Los Angeles Music Center Opera Chorus' career was their performance in the world premiere of John Adams' opera "Nixon in China" in 1987. The opera, which tells the story of President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972, was a critical and commercial success, and the chorus received widespread acclaim for their performance. The Los Angeles Times praised the chorus for their "crisp, precise singing" and "impressive ensemble work," while the New York Times described their performance as "superb." The Los Angeles Music Center Opera Chorus has also collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors in the world, including Plácido Domingo, James Conlon, and Kent Nagano. In 2008, the chorus performed in a production of Verdi's "Il Trovatore" under the baton of Domingo, who also served as the production's director. The production was a huge success, and the chorus received high praise for their "rich, full-bodied sound" and "impressive vocal range." In addition to their work with the Los Angeles Opera, the Los Angeles Music Center Opera Chorus has also performed with other prestigious organizations, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In 2011, the chorus performed in a production of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel. The performance was a huge success, and the chorus received a standing ovation from the audience. Over the years, the Los Angeles Music Center Opera Chorus has received numerous awards and accolades for their exceptional performances. In 1993, the chorus was awarded the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America, a national organization that promotes choral music. The award recognized the chorus' "outstanding contributions to the choral art" and their "commitment to excellence in performance." In 2014, the Los Angeles Music Center Opera Chorus celebrated their 50th anniversary with a special concert at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The concert featured a selection of the chorus' greatest hits, including excerpts from "Nixon in China," "Il Trovatore," and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. The concert was a huge success, and the chorus received a standing ovation from the audience. Today, the Los Angeles Music Center Opera Chorus continues to be one of the most respected and admired choral ensembles in the world.

More....