Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The St. Thomas Episcopal Church Choir of Men and Boys is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences for over a century. Founded in 1919, the choir has become a staple of the New York City music scene, performing at some of the most prestigious venues in the world. The choir was founded by Dr. T. Tertius Noble, an English organist and composer who had previously served as the organist and choirmaster at Ely Cathedral in England. Dr. Noble was recruited by the rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, the Reverend Dr. Ernest M. Stires, to establish a choir of men and boys at the church. Dr. Noble quickly set to work assembling a group of talented singers, both boys and men, who would form the core of the choir. The choir's first performance was on Christmas Eve in 1919, and it was an immediate success. The choir's reputation quickly spread, and it soon became known as one of the finest choirs in the country. Over the years, the choir has had many talented members, both boys and men. Some of the most notable members of the choir include James Litton, who served as the choir's director from 1970 to 1996, and John Scott, who served as the choir's director from 2004 until his untimely death in 2015. The choir has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The choir has also performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of the choir's most notable performances was at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The choir performed a moving rendition of "The Lord is My Shepherd" during the service, which was broadcast around the world and is still remembered as one of the most poignant moments of the funeral. The choir has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2004, the choir was awarded the prestigious ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming. The award recognized the choir's commitment to performing a diverse range of music, from traditional choral works to contemporary compositions. In addition to its performances, the choir is also known for its educational programs. The choir runs a comprehensive music education program for boys, which includes training in music theory, sight-reading, and vocal technique. Many of the choir's former members have gone on to successful careers in music, both as performers and educators. Today, the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Choir of Men and Boys continues to be one of the most respected and beloved classical music ensembles in the world. The choir's commitment to excellence and its dedication to music education have ensured that it will continue to inspire audiences and train the next generation of musicians for many years to come.

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