Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

Pro Arte Singers is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1973 in the United States. The group is known for its exceptional performances of choral music from the Renaissance to the present day. The ensemble has gained a reputation for its precision, clarity, and expressive interpretations of a wide range of choral works. The founding of Pro Arte Singers was the result of a collaboration between a group of musicians who shared a passion for choral music. The group was initially formed as a chamber choir, with a focus on performing music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The founding members of the ensemble included conductor and music director Arthur Sjögren, soprano soloist Mary Ellen Callahan, and tenor soloist Richard Clement. Over the years, Pro Arte Singers has grown in size and scope, expanding its repertoire to include works from the Romantic and contemporary periods. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Handel and Haydn Society, and the Boston Early Music Festival. One of the highlights of Pro Arte Singers' career was its performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor in 1985. The ensemble received critical acclaim for its interpretation of the work, which was praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. The performance was also notable for its use of period instruments, which added an authentic and historically informed dimension to the music. Another major performance by Pro Arte Singers was its 1992 concert at the Tanglewood Music Festival. The ensemble performed a program of works by Bach, Handel, and Mozart, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. The concert was also broadcast on National Public Radio, further increasing the ensemble's visibility and reputation. Pro Arte Singers has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a Grammy nomination for its recording of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in 1990. The ensemble has also been recognized for its contributions to the cultural life of the Boston area, receiving the Boston Music Award for Outstanding Classical Ensemble in 1993. In addition to its performances and recordings, Pro Arte Singers has also been active in the community, providing educational programs and outreach to schools and other organizations. The ensemble has worked with a number of local schools and community groups, offering workshops, masterclasses, and performances to students and audiences of all ages. Today, Pro Arte Singers continues to be a leading voice in the world of choral music, with a commitment to excellence and a passion for sharing the beauty and power of this timeless art form. The ensemble's current members include sopranos Sarah Moyer and Emily Marvosh, altos Emily Marvosh and Clare McNamara, tenors Jason McStoots and Aaron Sheehan, and basses David McFerrin and Sumner Thompson. Under the direction of conductor Kevin Leong, Pro Arte Singers remains dedicated to bringing the best of choral music to audiences around the world.

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