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Ensemble

 

The Houston Grand Opera Children's Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their angelic voices for over three decades. The choir was founded in 1986 by Karen Reeves, who served as the chorus director for 25 years. Since its inception, the choir has been an integral part of the Houston Grand Opera, performing in numerous productions and concerts. The Houston Grand Opera Children's Chorus was born out of a need for a children's choir to perform in the Houston Grand Opera's production of "La Bohème." Karen Reeves, who was a music teacher at the time, was approached by the opera company to form a children's choir for the production. She accepted the challenge and began recruiting children from local schools to join the choir. The choir's first performance was in the 1986 production of "La Bohème," where they sang the role of the children's chorus. The performance was a huge success, and the choir received rave reviews for their beautiful singing. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between the Houston Grand Opera and the Children's Chorus. Over the years, the Houston Grand Opera Children's Chorus has performed in numerous productions, including "The Magic Flute," "Carmen," "The Barber of Seville," and "The Marriage of Figaro." They have also performed in concerts with the Houston Symphony Orchestra and other local ensembles. One of the highlights of the choir's career was their performance in the 1997 production of "The Little Prince." The opera was composed by Rachel Portman, and the Houston Grand Opera Children's Chorus played a crucial role in the production. They sang the role of the children's chorus and also performed a solo piece, "The Rose," which was written specifically for them. The performance was a huge success, and the choir received critical acclaim for their beautiful singing. In addition to their performances with the Houston Grand Opera, the Children's Chorus has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1992, they were awarded the prestigious ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that perform contemporary music. They have also been featured on several recordings, including the Houston Grand Opera's recording of "The Little Prince." The Houston Grand Opera Children's Chorus has also been involved in several outreach programs over the years. They have performed in schools and community centers throughout Houston, bringing the joy of classical music to children who may not have had the opportunity to experience it otherwise. They have also collaborated with other local arts organizations, including the Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony Orchestra. In 2011, Karen Reeves retired as the chorus director, and the choir was taken over by Carolyne Hall, who had been a member of the choir as a child. Under her leadership, the choir has continued to thrive, performing in numerous productions and concerts. In recent years, the Houston Grand Opera Children's Chorus has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, performing in productions that incorporate elements of dance, theater, and multimedia. They have also continued to collaborate with other local arts organizations, including the Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony Orchestra. The Houston Grand Opera Children's Chorus is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and inspire young minds.

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