Country

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United Kingdom

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Film

 

King's College Choir of Cambridge is one of the most renowned and respected classical music ensembles in the world. Founded in 1441, the choir has a rich history and has been an integral part of the musical tradition of King's College, Cambridge for over 500 years. The choir was originally founded by King Henry VI as part of his vision for a new college at Cambridge. The choir was intended to provide music for the daily services in the college chapel, and to this day, the choir continues to perform daily services during term time. Over the centuries, the choir has grown in size and reputation, and today it is made up of 16 choristers (boys aged 9-13) and 14 choral scholars (male students of King's College). The choir is led by the Director of Music, who is responsible for selecting the repertoire and conducting the choir. One of the highlights of the choir's year is the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which takes place on Christmas Eve and is broadcast live around the world. The service features a mix of traditional carols and readings from the Bible, and has become a beloved Christmas tradition for many people. In addition to the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, the choir performs a wide range of music throughout the year, including choral works by composers such as Bach, Handel, and Mozart. The choir has also commissioned new works from contemporary composers, including John Tavener and James MacMillan. Over the years, the choir has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2012, the choir won a Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance for its recording of "Fauré: Requiem; Bach: Partita, Chorales & Ciaconna." The choir has also been awarded the Gramophone Award for Best Choral Recording three times, in 1984, 1994, and 2009. In addition to its recordings, the choir has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. The choir has also performed for numerous heads of state, including Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Benedict XVI. Despite its long and illustrious history, King's College Choir of Cambridge remains committed to its original mission of providing music for the daily services in the college chapel. The choir continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world with its beautiful and timeless music, and its legacy as one of the world's greatest choral ensembles is secure.

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