Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Austria

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

The Vienna Academy Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over 70 years. The choir was founded in 1948 by Professor Hans Gillesberger, who was a prominent choral conductor and music educator in Austria. Gillesberger had a vision of creating a choir that would showcase the rich musical heritage of Vienna and Austria to the world. The choir started with a small group of talented singers, but it quickly grew in size and reputation. Under Gillesberger's leadership, the choir became known for its impeccable vocal technique, musicality, and versatility. The choir's repertoire included a wide range of classical music, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was their performance at the 1955 World Exposition in Brussels, where they represented Austria and received critical acclaim. This performance helped to establish the choir's international reputation and led to invitations to perform in other countries. Over the years, the Vienna Academy Choir has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. They have collaborated with many renowned conductors and orchestras, including Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, and the Vienna Philharmonic. The choir has also recorded numerous albums, many of which have received awards and critical acclaim. One of the choir's most memorable performances was their appearance at the 1987 Salzburg Festival, where they performed Mozart's Requiem under the baton of Herbert von Karajan. This performance was widely regarded as one of the greatest interpretations of the work and cemented the choir's reputation as one of the world's finest vocal ensembles. The Vienna Academy Choir has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1978, they were awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, and in 1998, they received the Grand Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. The choir has also been awarded the prestigious Echo Klassik award multiple times for their recordings. Despite the passing of Professor Gillesberger in 2002, the Vienna Academy Choir has continued to thrive under the leadership of their current conductor, Martin Schebesta. Schebesta has maintained the choir's high standards of excellence while also introducing new works and collaborations. In recent years, the choir has continued to perform at major festivals and concert halls around the world. They have also expanded their repertoire to include more contemporary works and have collaborated with artists from other genres, such as jazz and pop. The Vienna Academy Choir's legacy is one of excellence, innovation, and dedication to the rich musical heritage of Vienna and Austria. Their performances continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and their contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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