Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh is a classical music ensemble that has been a staple of the Pittsburgh music scene for over 100 years. Founded in 1908 by Frederick Archer, the choir was named after the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn, who was known for his choral works. The choir began as a group of 100 singers who performed at the Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh. Over the years, the choir grew in size and reputation, becoming one of the most respected choral ensembles in the country. Today, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh is made up of over 100 auditioned singers who perform a wide range of choral works, from classical to contemporary. Throughout its history, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh has performed with some of the most renowned conductors and orchestras in the world. In 1936, the choir performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Fritz Reiner. This performance was the first of many collaborations between the choir and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and it helped to establish the choir's reputation as a world-class ensemble. In 1958, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh performed at the White House for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This performance was a highlight of the choir's history, and it helped to cement the choir's reputation as one of the premier choral ensembles in the country. Over the years, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances. In 1964, the choir was awarded the prestigious George Peabody Award for its outstanding contributions to the arts. In 1986, the choir was awarded the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that perform innovative and challenging works. In addition to its collaborations with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh has also performed with other renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The choir has also performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. One of the most notable performances in the choir's history was its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 2003. This performance was conducted by Mariss Jansons, and it was hailed as one of the greatest performances of the work in recent memory. The choir's performance of the "Ode to Joy" in the final movement of the symphony was particularly praised for its power and emotional impact. In addition to its performances with orchestras, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh has also performed a number of solo concerts and recordings. The choir's recordings include works by Bach, Handel, and Mozart, as well as contemporary works by composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass. Throughout its history, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh has remained committed to its mission of promoting choral music and enriching the cultural life of Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. The choir has worked with numerous community organizations and schools to promote music education and to provide opportunities for young singers to perform with a world-class ensemble. Today, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh continues to be one of the most respected choral ensembles in the country.

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