Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences for over 70 years. Founded in 1952 by Robert Shaw, the chorus has become an integral part of the Cleveland Orchestra, performing alongside the orchestra in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the world. The birth of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus can be traced back to the early 1950s, when Robert Shaw was appointed as the music director of the Cleveland Orchestra. Shaw, who was already a well-known choral conductor, recognized the need for a professional chorus to accompany the orchestra in its performances. He assembled a group of talented singers from the Cleveland area and began rehearsing them for their first performance in 1952. The early years of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus were marked by a series of successful performances, both in Cleveland and on tour. The chorus quickly gained a reputation for its precision and musicality, and was soon recognized as one of the finest choral ensembles in the world. Over the years, the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus has performed with some of the most renowned conductors and soloists in the classical music world. In 1965, the chorus performed with Leonard Bernstein in a historic performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The performance was broadcast live to millions of people around the world, and is still considered one of the greatest musical events of the 20th century. In addition to its collaborations with other musicians, the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus has also performed a wide range of choral works on its own. The chorus has a particular affinity for the music of Bach, Handel, and Mozart, and has performed many of their most famous works over the years. The chorus has also commissioned and premiered many new works by contemporary composers, including John Adams, Jennifer Higdon, and Matthias Pintscher. Throughout its history, the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances. In 1995, the chorus was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance for its recording of Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem. The chorus has also been recognized by the American Choral Directors Association and the International Federation for Choral Music for its outstanding contributions to the choral music world. Today, the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus continues to be an important part of the Cleveland Orchestra, performing in over 20 concerts each season. The chorus is made up of approximately 150 volunteer singers, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The chorus is led by director Lisa Wong, who has been with the ensemble since 2004. In conclusion, the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus is a world-class choral ensemble that has been captivating audiences for over 70 years. With its precision, musicality, and dedication to excellence, the chorus has become an integral part of the Cleveland Orchestra and a beloved institution in the classical music world.

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