Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Symphony

 

Guildford Choral Society is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Guildford, Surrey, England. The choir was founded in 1932 by a group of music enthusiasts who wanted to create a platform for choral music in the town. Since then, the choir has grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the most respected choral societies in the country. The choir's early years were marked by a series of successful performances, including Handel's Messiah and Bach's St. Matthew Passion. The choir's reputation grew quickly, and it soon became known for its high standards of musicianship and its commitment to excellence. Over the years, the choir has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Sir David Willcocks, who served as the choir's conductor from 1957 to 1974. Under Willcocks' leadership, the choir performed a number of major works, including Verdi's Requiem and Britten's War Requiem. In 1974, the choir appointed Jonathan Willcocks as its conductor, a position he held for over 30 years. During his tenure, the choir continued to perform a wide range of choral works, including Handel's Messiah, Mozart's Requiem, and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Willcocks also commissioned a number of new works for the choir, including his own composition, The Lord is my Shepherd. In 2007, the choir appointed its current conductor, Tom Robson. Under Robson's leadership, the choir has continued to perform a wide range of choral works, including Brahms' Requiem, Elgar's Dream of Gerontius, and Vaughan Williams' Sea Symphony. Robson has also worked to expand the choir's outreach efforts, including a program to bring choral music to local schools. Guildford Choral Society has performed in a number of prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey. The choir has also performed with a number of distinguished orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to its regular concert schedule, the choir has also been involved in a number of special projects. In 2012, the choir performed a special concert to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, which was attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The choir has also performed at a number of charity events, including a concert to raise funds for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Guildford Choral Society has received a number of awards and accolades over the years. In 2010, the choir was awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, which recognizes outstanding contributions made by volunteer groups in the UK. The choir has also been recognized for its commitment to new music, receiving the BASCA British Composer Award in 2013 for its performance of Gabriel Jackson's Requiem. Today, Guildford Choral Society continues to be a leading voice in the world of choral music. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for sharing the beauty of choral music with audiences around the world, the choir is sure to continue to inspire and delight for many years to come.

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