The Washington National Cathedral Girl Choristers is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their angelic voices since their founding in 1997. The ensemble is made up of young girls between the ages of 9 and 18 who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The ensemble is based in the Washington National Cathedral, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. The Washington National Cathedral Girl Choristers was founded by Dr. J. Reilly Lewis, who was the Cathedral's Director of Music at the time. Dr. Lewis had a vision of creating a world-class choir that would showcase the talents of young girls and provide them with a unique opportunity to perform in one of the most prestigious venues in the world. The ensemble was modeled after the traditional English cathedral choir, which has a long and rich history of producing some of the finest choral music in the world. The ensemble's main members are the girl choristers, who are selected based on their vocal ability, musical aptitude, and commitment to the ensemble. The girl choristers are divided into two groups: the trebles, who are the younger members of the ensemble, and the altos, who are the older members. The ensemble also includes a professional staff of musicians, including a conductor, an organist, and a music administrator. The Washington National Cathedral Girl Choristers have performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Kennedy Center, the White House, and Carnegie Hall. They have also performed with some of the most renowned orchestras in the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble has also been featured on numerous recordings, including their own album, "Christmas with the Washington National Cathedral Girl Choristers." One of the highlights of the ensemble's performances was their appearance at the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush in 2018. The ensemble performed a moving rendition of "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" during the funeral service, which was broadcast live on national television. The performance was widely praised for its beauty and emotional impact, and it helped to cement the ensemble's reputation as one of the finest choral groups in the world. The Washington National Cathedral Girl Choristers have also received numerous awards and accolades for their performances. In 2014, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a choral ensemble in the United States. The ensemble has also been recognized for their commitment to community outreach and education, and they have been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. In conclusion, the Washington National Cathedral Girl Choristers is a classical music ensemble that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world with their beautiful voices and stunning performances. The ensemble's founding by Dr. J. Reilly Lewis was a visionary move that has resulted in the creation of one of the finest choral groups in the world. The ensemble's main members, the girl choristers, are talented and dedicated young musicians who have been given a unique opportunity to showcase their talents on the world stage.

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