Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Milwaukee Symphony Chorus is a classical music ensemble that has been a vital part of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra since its founding in 1976. The chorus has become known for its exceptional performances of choral works, ranging from the Baroque era to contemporary compositions. The Milwaukee Symphony Chorus was founded by Margaret Hawkins, who served as its director until 1994. Hawkins was a respected choral conductor and music educator who had previously founded the Milwaukee Children's Choir. She saw the need for a high-quality chorus to perform with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and set out to create one. The chorus began with just 60 members, but quickly grew in size and reputation. Today, it is made up of over 150 auditioned singers from the Milwaukee area. The chorus is led by its current director, Cheryl Frazes Hill, who has been with the ensemble since 1998. The Milwaukee Symphony Chorus has performed a wide range of choral works over the years, including major works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and many others. The chorus has also premiered works by contemporary composers, including John Adams, Jennifer Higdon, and Michael Torke. One of the highlights of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus's history was its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in 1985. This performance was part of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's 25th anniversary season and was conducted by the orchestra's music director at the time, Kenneth Schermerhorn. The performance was a great success and received critical acclaim. Another notable performance by the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus was its collaboration with the Milwaukee Ballet in 1996. The chorus performed the choral sections of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana while the ballet company performed a new choreography by Michael Pink. The performance was a sell-out and received rave reviews. The Milwaukee Symphony Chorus has also been recognized for its excellence with several awards and honors. In 1990, the chorus was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America. This award is given annually to a chorus that demonstrates artistic excellence, a strong organizational structure, and a commitment to education and outreach. In 2008, the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus was invited to perform at the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association. This was a great honor for the chorus and a testament to its reputation as one of the finest choral ensembles in the country. In addition to its performances with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus also performs independently and collaborates with other arts organizations in the Milwaukee area. The chorus has performed with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chamber Orchestra, among others. The Milwaukee Symphony Chorus is committed to education and outreach and has a strong program of community engagement. The chorus regularly performs at schools and community events and offers workshops and masterclasses for singers of all ages. In conclusion, the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus is a world-class choral ensemble that has been an integral part of the Milwaukee arts community for over four decades. With its commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement, the chorus is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for many years to come.

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