Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

The Lausanne Opera Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Lausanne, Switzerland. The chorus has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, and has established itself as one of the most respected and accomplished choral groups in Europe. The Lausanne Opera Chorus was founded in 1837, when the city of Lausanne established its first opera house. The chorus was initially made up of local amateur singers, but quickly grew in size and reputation. In the early years, the chorus performed primarily in French, but later expanded its repertoire to include works in Italian, German, and other languages. Over the years, the Lausanne Opera Chorus has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Ernest Ansermet, who served as the chorus's music director from 1915 to 1967. Under Ansermet's leadership, the chorus gained international recognition for its performances of works by composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Stravinsky. One of the highlights of the Lausanne Opera Chorus's early years was its performance of Verdi's "Requiem" in 1875. The performance was a great success, and helped to establish the chorus as a leading ensemble in Switzerland and beyond. In the 20th century, the Lausanne Opera Chorus continued to build on its reputation for excellence. The chorus performed regularly at the Lausanne Opera House, as well as at other venues throughout Switzerland and Europe. In 1951, the chorus was invited to perform at the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, where it received critical acclaim for its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Lausanne Opera Chorus continued to expand its repertoire, performing works by contemporary composers such as Pierre Boulez and Luciano Berio. The chorus also collaborated with other leading ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic. One of the most memorable performances in the Lausanne Opera Chorus's history took place in 1991, when the chorus performed in a production of Verdi's "Aida" at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The performance was a massive undertaking, involving hundreds of performers and technicians, and was broadcast live on television around the world. In recent years, the Lausanne Opera Chorus has continued to perform at the highest level, under the leadership of conductor Michel Corboz. The chorus has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances, including the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d'Or. Today, the Lausanne Opera Chorus remains one of the most respected and accomplished choral ensembles in Europe. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the chorus continues to inspire audiences around the world with its performances of classical music.

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