Vokalensemble des SWR, also known as the SWR Vocal Ensemble, is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Stuttgart, Germany. The ensemble was founded in 1946 as the Südfunk-Chor, and it has since become one of the most respected vocal ensembles in Europe. The founding of the Südfunk-Chor was a response to the need for a professional choir to perform on the radio. The ensemble was initially made up of 16 singers, and it quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances. In 1959, the choir was renamed the Südfunk-Kammerchor, and it continued to perform on the radio and in concerts throughout Germany. In 1998, the Südfunk-Kammerchor was merged with the SWR Symphony Orchestra to form the SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart. The new ensemble was made up of 36 singers, and it quickly established itself as one of the leading vocal ensembles in Europe. In 2013, the ensemble was renamed the Vokalensemble des SWR, and it continues to perform under this name today. The Vokalensemble des SWR is made up of some of the most talented singers in Europe. The ensemble is led by Marcus Creed, who has been the artistic director since 2003. Creed is a renowned conductor and choral director, and he has led the ensemble to numerous awards and accolades. One of the highlights of the Vokalensemble des SWR's career was its performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in 2010. The performance was conducted by Marcus Creed and featured the ensemble, along with the SWR Symphony Orchestra and a number of soloists. The performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and technical excellence, and it cemented the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Bach's music. The Vokalensemble des SWR has also been recognized for its recordings. In 2012, the ensemble won the Echo Klassik award for its recording of Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem. The recording was conducted by Marcus Creed and featured the ensemble, along with the SWR Symphony Orchestra and soloists Christiane Karg and Michael Nagy. The recording was praised for its clarity and emotional depth, and it remains one of the ensemble's most celebrated recordings. In addition to its performances and recordings, the Vokalensemble des SWR is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly holds workshops and masterclasses for young singers, and it has established a reputation for nurturing young talent. Many of the ensemble's former members have gone on to successful careers as soloists and conductors. Overall, the Vokalensemble des SWR is a testament to the power of choral music. The ensemble's commitment to excellence and its dedication to education and outreach have made it one of the most respected vocal ensembles in Europe. With Marcus Creed at the helm, the ensemble is sure to continue to inspire audiences and young singers for years to come.

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