Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

The University Musical Society Choral Union is a renowned classical music artist that has been captivating audiences for over 140 years. Founded in 1879, the Choral Union has become a staple of the University of Michigan's music program and has established itself as one of the premier choral ensembles in the United States. The Choral Union was established by a group of music enthusiasts who wanted to create a community of singers who could perform the great choral works of the past and present. The group was initially led by Calvin B. Cady, a professor of music at the University of Michigan, and consisted of 92 members. The Choral Union quickly gained popularity and began performing in Ann Arbor and other cities in Michigan. Over the years, the Choral Union has grown in size and reputation. Today, the ensemble consists of over 175 singers, including students, faculty, staff, and community members. The Choral Union is led by Scott Hanoian, who has been the conductor since 2017. Hanoian is a highly respected conductor and pianist who has worked with many of the world's leading orchestras and choirs. The Choral Union has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, such as Leonard Bernstein, Sir Georg Solti, and Seiji Ozawa. One of the highlights of the Choral Union's history was its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Berlin Philharmonic in 1964. The performance was conducted by Herbert von Karajan and featured a star-studded cast of soloists, including Jessye Norman and Plácido Domingo. The performance was widely acclaimed and is still considered one of the greatest performances of the Ninth Symphony ever recorded. The Choral Union has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2019, the ensemble was awarded the American Prize in Choral Performance for its recording of Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil. The American Prize is a prestigious national competition that recognizes excellence in the performing arts. In addition to its performances with orchestras, the Choral Union also performs its own concerts throughout the year. These concerts feature a wide range of choral works, from Renaissance motets to contemporary compositions. The ensemble also performs regularly with the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles within the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance. The Choral Union is also committed to community outreach and education. The ensemble regularly performs in schools and community centers throughout Michigan, and it offers workshops and masterclasses for aspiring singers. The Choral Union also hosts an annual Summer Sings program, which allows community members to come together and sing choral works in a relaxed and informal setting. In conclusion, the University Musical Society Choral Union is a beloved and respected classical music artist that has been entertaining audiences for over 140 years. With its rich history, impressive performances, and commitment to community outreach, the Choral Union is a true gem of the classical music world.

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