True Concord Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2004 in Tucson, Arizona. The group is known for its exceptional performances of choral music, and has gained a reputation as one of the finest ensembles of its kind in the United States. The founding of True Concord Orchestra was the result of a collaboration between two prominent figures in the Tucson music scene: Eric Holtan and Jonathan Sheffer. Holtan, a conductor and composer, had previously founded the Tucson Chamber Artists, a choral group that had gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. Sheffer, a composer and conductor who had worked with some of the world's leading orchestras, was brought in to help develop the new ensemble. The group's name, True Concord Orchestra, was chosen to reflect its commitment to bringing together musicians from different backgrounds and traditions to create a unified sound. The ensemble's repertoire includes works from a wide range of musical styles and periods, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary compositions. True Concord Orchestra is made up of a core group of professional singers and instrumentalists, as well as a larger pool of guest performers who are brought in for specific projects. The group's main members include Eric Holtan, who serves as artistic director and conductor, and Jonathan Sheffer, who is the group's composer-in-residence. Over the years, True Concord Orchestra has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the United States, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The group has also collaborated with a number of other prominent musicians and ensembles, including the Kronos Quartet, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. One of the highlights of True Concord Orchestra's career came in 2015, when the group was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Surround Sound Album for its recording of "Sacred Spirit of Russia," a collection of Russian Orthodox choral music. The album was praised for its exceptional sound quality and the group's sensitive and nuanced performances. Other notable performances by True Concord Orchestra include its 2017 collaboration with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra on a program of works by Mozart and Haydn, and its 2019 performance of Bach's "St. John Passion" at the Cathedral of St. Augustine in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In addition to its performances, True Concord Orchestra is also committed to education and outreach. The group regularly works with local schools and community organizations to provide music education and performance opportunities for young people. The ensemble also offers a number of workshops and masterclasses for aspiring musicians and composers. Overall, True Concord Orchestra is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. With its commitment to excellence, diversity, and community engagement, the group is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.

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