Country

:

United States of America

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Dale Warland Singers was a renowned classical music ensemble that was founded in 1972 by Dale Warland, a prominent American choral conductor. The ensemble was based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was known for its exceptional performances of contemporary choral music. Dale Warland was born in 1932 in Summit, New Jersey, and grew up in a musical family. He studied music at the University of Minnesota and later earned a master's degree in choral conducting from the University of Southern California. Warland began his career as a choral conductor in the 1950s and worked with several choirs before founding the Dale Warland Singers. The Dale Warland Singers consisted of 40 to 50 singers, all of whom were highly skilled musicians. The ensemble was known for its precise and expressive performances, and for its commitment to contemporary choral music. Warland was particularly interested in promoting the work of living composers, and the Dale Warland Singers premiered many new works during its 32-year history. One of the highlights of the Dale Warland Singers' career was its performance at the 1993 inauguration of President Bill Clinton. The ensemble sang a piece by American composer Aaron Copland, and their performance was widely praised for its beauty and emotional power. The Dale Warland Singers also performed at several major music festivals, including the Tanglewood Music Festival, the Ravinia Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival. The ensemble toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and its recordings were critically acclaimed. In addition to its performances, the Dale Warland Singers also received numerous awards and honors. The ensemble won two Grammy Awards, one in 2003 for its recording of "Life and Breath: Choral Works by René Clausen," and another in 2004 for its recording of "Lux Aurumque." The Dale Warland Singers also received the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America in 2004. Despite its many accomplishments, the Dale Warland Singers disbanded in 2004, after 32 years of performing together. Warland retired from conducting, but continued to be active in the music community as a teacher and mentor to young musicians. The legacy of the Dale Warland Singers lives on through its recordings and the many musicians who were inspired by Warland's commitment to excellence and innovation in choral music. The ensemble's dedication to contemporary music and its exceptional performances continue to be an inspiration to choral musicians around the world.

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