Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Shin-Yuh Kai Chorus is a classical music ensemble based in Tokyo, Japan. The group was founded in 1963 by conductor and composer Shin-ichiro Ikebe, who served as the group's artistic director until 1998. The ensemble's name, Shin-Yuh Kai, translates to "New Wave Society," reflecting its mission to bring fresh perspectives to classical music. The chorus is made up of approximately 100 members, including both professional and amateur singers. The group's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from Renaissance choral works to contemporary compositions. The ensemble has collaborated with many prominent composers and conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and Krzysztof Penderecki. One of the highlights of Shin-Yuh Kai Chorus's early years was its performance at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The group sang the national anthems of various countries during the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as performing a special piece composed by Ikebe for the occasion. In the years that followed, the ensemble continued to gain recognition for its performances both in Japan and abroad. In 1970, the group won first prize at the International Choral Competition in Arezzo, Italy. This was followed by a successful tour of Europe, during which the chorus performed in major cities such as Paris, Vienna, and Berlin. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Shin-Yuh Kai Chorus continued to perform at major venues and festivals around the world. In 1986, the group was invited to perform at the International Choral Festival in Moscow, where they received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to its performances, Shin-Yuh Kai Chorus has also released numerous recordings over the years. The group's discography includes a wide range of classical works, as well as several albums featuring Ikebe's original compositions. In 1998, Ikebe retired as artistic director of the ensemble, and was succeeded by conductor and composer Ko Matsushita. Under Matsushita's leadership, Shin-Yuh Kai Chorus has continued to thrive, performing at major venues and festivals around the world. One of the group's most notable recent performances was its appearance at the 2018 World Choral Expo in Beijing, China. The ensemble performed a program of Japanese choral works, including several pieces by Matsushita. Shin-Yuh Kai Chorus has also been active in promoting choral music education in Japan. The group has organized workshops and masterclasses for young singers, and has collaborated with schools and universities to promote choral singing. Overall, Shin-Yuh Kai Chorus has established itself as one of Japan's premier classical music ensembles, with a reputation for excellence in both performance and education. The group's commitment to bringing fresh perspectives to classical music has made it a beloved institution among music lovers in Japan and around the world.

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