Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Tafelmusik Chamber Choir is a Canadian classical music ensemble that specializes in Baroque and Classical music. The ensemble was founded in 1979 by Kenneth Solway, who was the choir's first conductor. The choir is based in Toronto, Canada, and is known for its high-quality performances and innovative programming. The ensemble's name, Tafelmusik, is a German word that means "table music." This term was used in the Baroque era to describe music that was played during banquets and other social events. The name reflects the ensemble's focus on Baroque and Classical music, which was often performed in social settings during these periods. The Tafelmusik Chamber Choir is made up of approximately 20 singers, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The choir's members are all highly trained musicians, many of whom have studied at some of the world's most prestigious music schools. Over the years, the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. The ensemble has also collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors and soloists. One of the highlights of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir's career was its performance at the 1987 Edinburgh International Festival. The choir's performance of Handel's "Messiah" was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the world's leading Baroque and Classical music ensembles. In addition to its live performances, the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir has also released several recordings. The ensemble's recordings have received critical acclaim and have won numerous awards, including several Juno Awards, which are Canada's top music awards. One of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir's most notable recordings is its 1991 recording of Bach's "Mass in B Minor." This recording was widely praised for its clarity and precision, and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the world's leading interpreters of Bach's music. Another notable recording by the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir is its 2000 recording of Handel's "Messiah." This recording features a historically informed performance, which means that the ensemble used period instruments and techniques to recreate the sound of Handel's time. The recording was widely praised for its authenticity and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the world's leading interpreters of Baroque music. In addition to its live performances and recordings, the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir is also known for its innovative programming. The ensemble often performs works that are rarely heard in concert, and it has also commissioned new works from contemporary composers. One of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir's most notable commissions was its 2009 commission of a new work by Canadian composer James Rolfe. The work, titled "Aeneas and Dido," is based on the story of Aeneas and Dido from Virgil's "Aeneid." The work was widely praised for its originality and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as a champion of contemporary music. Overall, the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir is one of Canada's most respected classical music ensembles. The ensemble's high-quality performances, innovative programming, and commitment to historical authenticity have helped to establish its reputation as one of the world's leading Baroque and Classical music ensembles.

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