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The Thirteen is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by Matthew Robertson, a conductor and singer. The group is based in Washington, D.C., and is made up of thirteen professional singers who specialize in performing a cappella music from the Renaissance to the present day. Matthew Robertson was born in 1979 in New York City and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist and his father was a composer, and he began singing in choirs at a young age. He attended Yale University, where he studied music and sang in the Yale Glee Club. After graduating, he moved to England to study at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a master's degree in musicology. After returning to the United States, Robertson began working as a conductor and singer. He founded The Thirteen in 2012 with the goal of creating a professional ensemble that would specialize in a cappella music. The group's name comes from the fact that it is made up of thirteen singers, which is an unusual number for a choral ensemble. The Thirteen quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality performances and innovative programming. They have performed at major venues across the United States, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the National Cathedral. They have also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Folger Consort. One of the highlights of The Thirteen's career was their performance at the 2017 American Choral Directors Association conference in Minneapolis. They were one of only six ensembles selected to perform at the conference, which is one of the most prestigious events in the choral world. Their performance was widely praised for its precision, clarity, and emotional depth. The Thirteen has also received numerous awards and accolades for their work. In 2015, they won the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America, which is given to one ensemble each year that demonstrates artistic excellence and a commitment to the choral art form. They have also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for their recordings, including their 2019 album "Astonishing Tales!" which features music by contemporary composers. One of the unique aspects of The Thirteen's repertoire is their focus on music by living composers. They have commissioned and premiered works by several prominent composers, including Nico Muhly, Gabriel Jackson, and Jake Runestad. They also frequently perform music by women and composers from underrepresented communities, in an effort to broaden the choral canon and promote diversity in classical music. In addition to their performances and recordings, The Thirteen is also committed to music education and outreach. They frequently work with schools and community organizations to provide workshops and performances for young people. They also offer a summer choral institute for high school students, which provides intensive training in choral singing and music theory. Overall, The Thirteen is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that is pushing the boundaries of the choral art form. With their commitment to new music and diverse programming, they are helping to shape the future of classical music and inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers.

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