Role

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Ensemble

 

The Houston Grand Opera Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over 60 years. The chorus was founded in 1955 by Walter Herbert, who was the general director of the Houston Grand Opera at the time. The ensemble was initially made up of 24 singers, but it has since grown to become one of the largest opera choruses in the world, with over 100 members. The Houston Grand Opera Chorus has been an integral part of the Houston Grand Opera's productions since its inception. The chorus has performed in over 200 productions, including some of the most iconic operas of all time, such as Carmen, La Bohème, and The Marriage of Figaro. The chorus has also premiered several new works, including John Adams' Nixon in China and Jake Heggie's Dead Man Walking. One of the highlights of the Houston Grand Opera Chorus' career was their performance in the world premiere of John Adams' Nixon in China in 1987. The opera was a groundbreaking work that explored the historic meeting between President Richard Nixon and Chairman Mao Zedong in 1972. The Houston Grand Opera Chorus played a crucial role in the production, providing the vocal backdrop for the opera's complex and intricate score. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the Houston Grand Opera Chorus as one of the premier opera choruses in the world. The Houston Grand Opera Chorus has also been recognized for their exceptional performances with several awards and accolades. In 1993, the chorus was awarded the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America. The award is given annually to a chorus that demonstrates artistic excellence, a strong commitment to education and outreach, and a dedication to the choral art form. The Houston Grand Opera Chorus was the first opera chorus to receive the award. In addition to their work with the Houston Grand Opera, the chorus has also collaborated with other major opera companies and orchestras around the world. They have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House in London, among others. The chorus has also worked with some of the most renowned conductors in the world, including Sir Georg Solti, Leonard Bernstein, and James Levine. The Houston Grand Opera Chorus has also been committed to education and outreach throughout their career. They have worked with schools and community organizations to promote the arts and to inspire the next generation of musicians. The chorus has also participated in several recordings and broadcasts, including a live broadcast of the world premiere of John Adams' Doctor Atomic in 2005. Despite their many accomplishments, the Houston Grand Opera Chorus has faced several challenges throughout their career. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston and caused significant damage to the Houston Grand Opera's facilities. The chorus was forced to cancel several performances and to relocate to temporary rehearsal spaces. However, the chorus remained committed to their work and continued to perform and to inspire audiences in the aftermath of the storm. Today, the Houston Grand Opera Chorus continues to be a vital part of the Houston Grand Opera's productions. They are known for their exceptional vocal talent, their dedication to the art form, and their commitment to education and outreach.

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