Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The Tudor Choir is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing choral music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Founded in 1993 by Doug Fullington, the choir has become one of the most respected and acclaimed ensembles of its kind in the United States. Doug Fullington, a musicologist and singer, founded the Tudor Choir with the goal of exploring the rich and complex repertoire of early choral music. Fullington had previously sung with the Tallis Scholars, a renowned British ensemble that specializes in Renaissance music, and he wanted to bring that same level of artistry and scholarship to the Pacific Northwest. The Tudor Choir's early years were marked by a series of successful performances and recordings. The choir quickly gained a reputation for its impeccable musicianship and its ability to bring new life to centuries-old music. The choir's first recording, "Music for Compline," was released in 1995 and received widespread critical acclaim. Over the years, the Tudor Choir has undergone several changes in membership, but its commitment to excellence has remained constant. The choir's current members include sopranos Linda Tsatsanis and Erin Calata, altos Laura Pudwell and Joslynne Blasdel, tenors Ross Hauck and Aaron Sheehan, and basses Charles Robert Stephens and Kevin Deas. One of the Tudor Choir's most notable achievements was its performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor in 2000. This monumental work is considered one of the greatest choral compositions of all time, and the Tudor Choir's performance was widely praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. In addition to its performances of major choral works, the Tudor Choir has also gained a reputation for its innovative programming. The choir has performed works by lesser-known composers, such as the 16th-century English composer Robert White, as well as contemporary works that draw on early music traditions. The Tudor Choir has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2001, the choir was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America, a national organization that supports and promotes choral music. The choir has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for its recordings, including its 2006 album "O Magnum Mysterium," which features works by Palestrina, Victoria, and other Renaissance composers. Despite its many achievements, the Tudor Choir has faced its share of challenges over the years. In 2014, the choir announced that it would be suspending its operations due to financial difficulties. However, the choir's members and supporters rallied to its defense, and the choir was able to resume its activities in 2015. Today, the Tudor Choir continues to be a leading voice in the world of early choral music. Its performances are marked by a deep commitment to historical accuracy and musical excellence, and its recordings are treasured by music lovers around the world. As the choir looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of bringing the beauty and complexity of early choral music to new audiences.

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