Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Choral

 

The University of North Texas Grand Chorus is a classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 80 years. Founded in 1938, the ensemble has become one of the most respected choral groups in the United States. The group is made up of students from the University of North Texas, as well as members of the community who share a passion for choral music. The ensemble was founded by Wilfred Bain, who served as the director of the group for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the group grew in size and reputation, performing at major venues across the country. In 1970, the group was invited to perform at the White House for President Richard Nixon, an honor that solidified their status as one of the top choral groups in the country. Over the years, the University of North Texas Grand Chorus has had many talented members, including soloists who have gone on to have successful careers in the music industry. One of the most notable members of the group was Grammy-winning soprano Cynthia Clawson, who sang with the ensemble in the 1960s. The group has also had many highlights in terms of performances and awards. In 1957, the ensemble won first place in the mixed chorus category at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales. This was a major accomplishment for the group, as the competition was one of the most prestigious choral competitions in the world. In 1981, the University of North Texas Grand Chorus performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. as part of the American Choral Directors Association National Convention. The group received a standing ovation for their performance, which included works by Bach, Handel, and Mozart. In 1992, the ensemble was invited to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, which is one of the largest music education conferences in the world. The group received rave reviews for their performance, which included a mix of classical and contemporary choral works. In addition to their many performances, the University of North Texas Grand Chorus has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, the group was awarded the American Prize in Choral Performance, which is a prestigious national award that recognizes excellence in choral music. The ensemble has also been recognized for their commitment to community service. In 2015, the group was awarded the Mayor's Community Service Award in Denton, Texas, for their work in promoting the arts and music education in the community. Today, the University of North Texas Grand Chorus continues to be a vibrant and active ensemble, performing at major venues across the country and around the world. The group is led by Dr. Allen Hightower, who has served as the director of choral studies at the University of North Texas since 2006. Under Dr. Hightower's leadership, the ensemble has continued to build on its legacy of excellence, performing a wide range of choral works from the classical repertoire as well as contemporary pieces. The group has also continued to be a leader in music education, offering workshops and masterclasses for students and teachers alike. In conclusion, the University of North Texas Grand Chorus is a classical music ensemble with a rich history and a bright future. From its humble beginnings in 1938 to its current status as one of the top choral groups in the country, the ensemble has always been dedicated to excellence in music and education.

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