Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Symphony

 

The Baltimore Symphony Chorus is a classical music ensemble that has been an integral part of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra since its founding in 1982. The chorus has established itself as one of the premier choral ensembles in the United States, performing a wide range of repertoire from the Baroque era to contemporary works. The Baltimore Symphony Chorus was founded by Margaret Hillis, a renowned choral conductor who had previously founded the Chicago Symphony Chorus. Hillis was invited to Baltimore by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's music director at the time, Sergiu Comissiona, to establish a chorus that would perform with the orchestra on a regular basis. Hillis quickly assembled a group of talented singers from the Baltimore area, and the Baltimore Symphony Chorus gave its first performance in December 1982, singing Handel's Messiah with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The performance was a resounding success, and the chorus quickly established itself as an essential part of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's programming. Over the years, the Baltimore Symphony Chorus has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Edward Polochick, who served as the chorus's music director from 1987 to 2017. Under Polochick's leadership, the chorus grew in size and reputation, and became known for its precision, clarity, and expressive power. The Baltimore Symphony Chorus has performed a wide range of repertoire over the years, including major works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and Verdi, as well as contemporary works by composers such as John Adams, Philip Glass, and Christopher Rouse. The chorus has also collaborated with a number of renowned soloists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming, and Joshua Bell. One of the highlights of the Baltimore Symphony Chorus's history was its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in 1995, which was conducted by David Zinman and featured soloists including Jessye Norman and Simon Estes. The performance was widely acclaimed, and was later released on CD by Telarc Records. Another notable performance by the Baltimore Symphony Chorus was its 2013 performance of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem, which was conducted by Marin Alsop and featured soloists including soprano Tamara Wilson, tenor Simon O'Neill, and baritone Ryan McKinny. The performance was part of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's Britten Centenary celebration, and was praised for its emotional power and musical sensitivity. In addition to its performances with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Chorus has also performed independently, and has collaborated with other orchestras and ensembles in the Baltimore area. The chorus has also toured internationally, performing in countries including Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. The Baltimore Symphony Chorus has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a Grammy Award in 1992 for its recording of Leonard Bernstein's Mass with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The chorus has also been recognized for its educational outreach programs, which bring choral music to schools and community groups throughout the Baltimore area. Today, the Baltimore Symphony Chorus continues to be an essential part of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and remains committed to bringing the highest quality choral music to audiences in Baltimore and beyond.

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