Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

The Arizona Chamber Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 1979, the choir has established itself as one of the premier choral groups in the Southwest, known for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. The choir was founded by Dr. Hal Ott, a respected choral conductor and music educator who had recently moved to Arizona from the Midwest. Dr. Ott was passionate about choral music and saw a need for a high-quality chamber choir in the Phoenix area. He recruited a group of talented singers from the community and began rehearsing for the choir's first concert. The Arizona Chamber Choir made its debut in 1980 with a program of Renaissance and Baroque music. The concert was a resounding success, and the choir quickly gained a reputation for its polished performances and adventurous repertoire. Over the years, the choir has performed a wide range of music, from medieval chant to contemporary works, and has collaborated with many of the region's top musicians and ensembles. One of the highlights of the Arizona Chamber Choir's early years was its participation in the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans. The choir was invited to perform as part of the Arizona Pavilion's cultural program, and its concerts were a hit with audiences from around the world. The choir's performance of the American premiere of "Missa Brevis" by British composer Jonathan Harvey was particularly well-received. In the years that followed, the Arizona Chamber Choir continued to grow and thrive under Dr. Ott's leadership. The choir expanded its repertoire to include more contemporary music and began commissioning new works from composers such as Libby Larsen and Stephen Paulus. The choir also began touring more extensively, performing in venues across the Southwest and beyond. In 1998, Dr. Ott retired from his position as artistic director of the Arizona Chamber Choir, and the choir began a new chapter under the leadership of Dr. David Topping. Dr. Topping, a respected choral conductor and music educator, brought a fresh perspective to the choir and continued its tradition of excellence. Under Dr. Topping's leadership, the Arizona Chamber Choir has continued to push the boundaries of choral music. The choir has premiered numerous new works, including "The Phoenix" by composer Ola Gjeilo, which was commissioned by the choir in 2014. The choir has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians and ensembles, including the Phoenix Symphony, the Arizona Opera, and the Grammy-winning ensemble Roomful of Teeth. One of the Arizona Chamber Choir's most memorable performances came in 2016, when the choir was invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association's national conference in Minneapolis. The choir's performance of "The Phoenix" was a highlight of the conference, and the choir received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to its performances, the Arizona Chamber Choir has also been recognized for its recordings. The choir's 2010 album "Northern Lights" was named one of the top classical recordings of the year by the Arizona Republic, and the choir's 2016 album "Canticles of Light" received critical acclaim for its innovative programming and exceptional musicianship. Throughout its history, the Arizona Chamber Choir has been committed to music education and outreach.

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