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Ensemble

 

Men of The May Festival Chorus is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over 100 years. The ensemble was founded in 1919 as a part of the Cincinnati May Festival, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious choral festivals in the United States. The Men of The May Festival Chorus is made up of approximately 150 volunteer singers who come from all walks of life and share a passion for choral music. The ensemble has had many notable members over the years, including Robert Shaw, who served as the chorus director from 1947 to 1953. Shaw was a renowned conductor and choral music educator who went on to found the Robert Shaw Chorale and lead the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Other notable members of the Men of The May Festival Chorus include John Alexander, who served as the chorus director from 1979 to 1986, and James Bagwell, who served as the chorus director from 2003 to 2017. The Men of The May Festival Chorus has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. The ensemble has also performed at many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. One of the highlights of the ensemble's performance history was their participation in the 1970 premiere of Leonard Bernstein's "Mass" at the Kennedy Center. The Men of The May Festival Chorus also performed in the world premiere of John Adams' "On the Transmigration of Souls" at the New York Philharmonic in 2002. The Men of The May Festival Chorus has received many awards and accolades over the years. In 1950, the ensemble was awarded the Grand Prix at the International Choral Festival in Llangollen, Wales. The ensemble has also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and has received numerous awards from the Cincinnati Arts Association. In 2019, the Men of The May Festival Chorus celebrated their 100th anniversary with a special concert at Music Hall in Cincinnati. The Men of The May Festival Chorus has a diverse repertoire that includes works from the Renaissance to the present day. The ensemble has performed many works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as contemporary works by composers such as John Adams, Eric Whitacre, and Morten Lauridsen. The ensemble is known for their exceptional blend and balance, as well as their ability to convey the emotional depth and beauty of the music they perform. In addition to their performances with orchestras, the Men of The May Festival Chorus also perform their own concerts and have released several recordings. The ensemble's recordings include "A May Festival Christmas" and "The Music of John Adams." The Men of The May Festival Chorus also perform at community events and have a strong commitment to music education. The ensemble offers workshops and masterclasses for singers of all ages and levels, and they also provide outreach programs for schools and community organizations. In conclusion, the Men of The May Festival Chorus is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences for over 100 years. The ensemble's exceptional performances, diverse repertoire, and commitment to music education have made them a beloved institution in the world of choral music.

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