Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Choral

 

Oregon Repertory Singers (ORS) is a classical music ensemble based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1974 by conductor Gilbert Seeley, the group has become one of the most respected choral organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Seeley, a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Music, had a vision of creating a choir that would perform a wide range of choral music, from the Renaissance to contemporary works. He recruited a group of singers from the community and began rehearsing in the basement of a local church. The group's first performance was in December 1974, and it was an immediate success. Seeley's programming of diverse repertoire and his skillful conducting drew praise from audiences and critics alike. The choir quickly grew in size and reputation, and by the end of its first season, it had performed three major concerts. Over the years, ORS has continued to expand its repertoire and its reach. The group now performs a wide range of choral music, including classical works, folk songs, spirituals, and contemporary compositions. ORS has also collaborated with other arts organizations, including the Oregon Symphony, the Portland Opera, and the Oregon Ballet Theatre. One of the highlights of ORS's history was its performance at the 1990 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The group was one of only six choirs selected to perform at the convention, which is considered one of the most prestigious events in the choral world. ORS's performance was a triumph, and it helped to establish the group's national reputation. ORS has also received numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1995, the group was named the Best Classical Vocal Ensemble by the Portland Music Awards. In 2001, ORS was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America, a national organization that supports and promotes choral music. The award recognized ORS's outstanding artistic achievement, innovative programming, and commitment to community outreach. In addition to its regular concert series, ORS has also undertaken several major projects over the years. In 2005, the group performed a series of concerts featuring the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The project, called "BachFest," included performances of several of Bach's major choral works, as well as lectures and workshops on Bach's music and life. In 2014, ORS celebrated its 40th anniversary with a series of concerts and events. The highlight of the celebration was a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which featured a collaboration with the Oregon Symphony and several other local choirs. The concert was a sell-out, and it received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Today, ORS is led by artistic director Ethan Sperry, who took over the position in 2011. Sperry, a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Music, is a respected choral conductor and composer. Under his leadership, ORS has continued to expand its repertoire and its outreach efforts. ORS remains committed to its mission of bringing high-quality choral music to the community. The group's regular concert series includes performances at several venues throughout the Portland area, including the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and the Newmark Theatre. ORS also offers educational programs for young singers, including a youth choir and a summer choral camp.

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