Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

The Minnesota Opera Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their stunning performances for over five decades. The group was founded in 1963 by the Minnesota Opera Company, which was established just a year earlier. Since then, the Minnesota Opera Chorus has become an integral part of the company's productions, providing a rich and powerful vocal backdrop to some of the most beloved operas in the classical music canon. The Minnesota Opera Chorus was born out of a desire to create a world-class opera company in the heart of the Midwest. At the time, there were few opportunities for opera lovers in the region to experience live performances of their favorite works. The founders of the Minnesota Opera Company saw an opportunity to fill this gap and set out to create a company that would rival the best in the world. From the beginning, the Minnesota Opera Chorus played a crucial role in the company's success. The group was made up of talented singers from the local community, many of whom had trained at some of the top music schools in the country. Under the direction of the company's first chorus master, Robert Peterson, the Minnesota Opera Chorus quickly established a reputation for excellence. Over the years, the Minnesota Opera Chorus has performed in countless productions, both in Minnesota and beyond. Some of the highlights of their career include performances of Verdi's "Aida," Puccini's "La Bohème," and Mozart's "The Magic Flute." The group has also collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors and directors in the world, including Sir Neville Marriner, David Alden, and Michael Christie. One of the most memorable performances in the Minnesota Opera Chorus's history came in 1991, when they were invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The group performed in a production of Verdi's "Nabucco," which was directed by the legendary Italian director Franco Zeffirelli. The performance was a huge success, and the Minnesota Opera Chorus received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. In addition to their performances on stage, the Minnesota Opera Chorus has also been recognized for their recordings. The group has released several albums over the years, including a recording of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" that was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1983. The Minnesota Opera Chorus has also been featured on numerous television and radio broadcasts, including a performance on PBS's "Great Performances" series. Throughout their long and illustrious career, the Minnesota Opera Chorus has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2013, the group was honored with a Sage Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance for their work in the Minnesota Opera's production of "Silent Night." The Sage Awards are given annually to recognize excellence in the performing arts in the Twin Cities area. The Minnesota Opera Chorus has also been recognized for their contributions to the community. The group has been involved in numerous outreach programs over the years, including performances at local schools and community centers. They have also worked with organizations such as the Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra to promote classical music in the region. Today, the Minnesota Opera Chorus continues to be a vital part of the Minnesota Opera Company.

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