Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

Exultate Festival Choir is a classical music ensemble based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The choir was founded in 2002 by artistic director Thomas Rossin with the goal of creating a high-quality choral ensemble that would perform a diverse range of repertoire. The choir's name, "Exultate," comes from the Latin word meaning "rejoice," reflecting the ensemble's mission to bring joy and inspiration to audiences through their music. The choir is made up of approximately 60 auditioned singers, ranging from amateur to professional musicians. Many of the members have extensive choral experience and come from a variety of musical backgrounds. Exultate Festival Choir has become known for their innovative programming, which often includes lesser-known works alongside more familiar pieces. The choir has performed a wide range of repertoire, including works by Bach, Mozart, Brahms, and contemporary composers such as Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was their performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor in 2005. The performance was praised for its precision and musicality, and helped establish Exultate Festival Choir as a leading choral ensemble in the Twin Cities area. In 2007, the choir embarked on their first international tour, performing in Italy and Austria. The tour was a great success, with the choir receiving standing ovations and critical acclaim for their performances. Over the years, Exultate Festival Choir has collaborated with a number of other musical organizations, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Minnesota Chorale. These collaborations have allowed the choir to perform in some of the most prestigious venues in the Twin Cities, including Orchestra Hall and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to their regular concert series, Exultate Festival Choir has also been involved in a number of community outreach programs. The choir has performed at local schools and retirement homes, and has also participated in benefit concerts for various charitable organizations. Exultate Festival Choir has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, the choir was named "Best Choir" by the Twin Cities Arts Reader, and in 2012 they were awarded the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America. One of the choir's most memorable performances was their 2014 concert featuring the music of Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo. The concert, which included several of Gjeilo's most popular works, was a sell-out success and received rave reviews from both audiences and critics. Exultate Festival Choir continues to be a leading choral ensemble in the Twin Cities area, known for their innovative programming, musicality, and commitment to community outreach. With their talented singers and dedicated artistic leadership, the choir is sure to continue delighting audiences for years to come.

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