Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The Deller Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over half a century. The choir was founded in 1964 by the legendary English countertenor, Alfred Deller, who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the early music movement. Alfred Deller was born in 1912 in Margate, Kent, England. He began his musical career as a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral and later studied at the Royal College of Music in London. Deller's unique voice, which was characterized by its purity, clarity, and agility, quickly gained him recognition as one of the finest countertenors of his time. In the early 1950s, Deller began to explore the repertoire of early music, which had largely been forgotten or neglected. He formed the Deller Consort, which specialized in performing music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and historically informed performances, which were based on extensive research into the original sources and performance practices of the time. In 1964, Deller founded the Deller Choir, which was initially intended as a smaller ensemble to perform the more intimate works of the early music repertoire. However, the choir soon grew in size and scope, and became known for its powerful and expressive performances of choral works from the Renaissance to the present day. The Deller Choir has had many distinguished members over the years, including some of the finest singers and musicians in the early music world. Some of the most notable members have included the sopranos Honor Sheppard and Eileen McLoughlin, the tenor Nigel Rogers, and the bass Michael George. The choir has performed extensively throughout the world, and has been invited to perform at many of the most prestigious music festivals and venues. Some of the highlights of the choir's performances include its appearances at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the BBC Proms. One of the most memorable performances of the Deller Choir was its rendition of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1977. The performance was conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras, and featured a stellar lineup of soloists, including the soprano Felicity Lott and the tenor Robert Tear. The performance was widely acclaimed for its energy, passion, and technical excellence, and remains one of the most celebrated performances of the work. The Deller Choir has also been recognized with numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1970, the choir was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. The choir has also been awarded the Edison Award, the Diapason d'Or, and the Grand Prix du Disque. Despite the passing of Alfred Deller in 1979, the Deller Choir has continued to thrive under the leadership of its current director, Mark Deller, who is Alfred Deller's son. Mark Deller has continued his father's legacy of excellence and innovation, and has led the choir to new heights of artistic achievement. Today, the Deller Choir remains one of the most respected and admired ensembles in the world of classical music. Its commitment to historical accuracy, technical excellence, and emotional depth has made it a favorite of audiences and critics alike.

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