Genre

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Choral

 

The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over six decades. The ensemble was founded in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner, a British conductor and violinist, who aimed to create a chamber orchestra that would perform Baroque and Classical music in a fresh and innovative way. The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chorus is an integral part of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, which is a chamber orchestra based in London, England. The chorus comprises around 40 singers, who are all professional musicians and have extensive experience in choral singing. The ensemble is known for its impeccable vocal technique, precise intonation, and expressive interpretations of classical music. The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chorus has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls and music festivals around the world. The ensemble has collaborated with many renowned conductors and soloists, including Sir Colin Davis, Sir Simon Rattle, and Joshua Bell, among others. The chorus has also recorded numerous albums, many of which have received critical acclaim and won awards. One of the highlights of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chorus's career was its performance at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. The ensemble performed Handel's "Zadok the Priest" and Parry's "I Was Glad," which were both broadcast live to millions of viewers around the world. The performance was widely praised for its grandeur and beauty, and it helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the finest choral groups in the world. Another notable performance by the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chorus was its rendition of Mozart's Requiem in D minor, which was recorded in 1991 and won a Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance. The recording featured the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chorus, the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and soloists such as Sylvia McNair and Carolyn Watkinson. The recording was praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth, and it remains one of the most popular recordings of Mozart's Requiem to this day. In addition to its performances and recordings, the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chorus has also won numerous awards and accolades throughout its career. The ensemble has been awarded the Gramophone Award for Best Choral Recording three times, in 1984, 1991, and 1993. The ensemble has also been awarded the Classical Brit Award for Best Classical Album twice, in 2002 and 2003. The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chorus continues to perform and record today, under the direction of conductor and music director Joshua Rifkin. The ensemble's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from Baroque and Classical to Romantic and contemporary. The ensemble's commitment to excellence and innovation has made it one of the most respected and beloved choral groups in the world, and its legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.

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