Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

The Saint Louis Symphony Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over 40 years. Founded in 1976, the chorus has become an integral part of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, performing alongside the orchestra in numerous concerts and recordings. The birth of the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus can be traced back to the early 1970s when the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra was looking to expand its repertoire and add a chorus to its performances. In 1976, the orchestra hired Robert Shaw, a renowned choral conductor, to lead the chorus. Shaw, who had previously led the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Robert Shaw Chorale, brought his expertise and experience to the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus and helped establish it as one of the premier choral ensembles in the country. Under Shaw's leadership, the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional performances and became a regular fixture in the orchestra's concerts. The chorus also began recording with the orchestra, releasing its first album, "Carmina Burana," in 1979. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning the chorus and orchestra widespread acclaim and cementing their place in the classical music world. Over the years, the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus has performed in numerous major concerts and events, including the opening of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra's new home, Powell Symphony Hall, in 1984. The chorus has also collaborated with other renowned orchestras and conductors, including the New York Philharmonic and Leonard Bernstein, and has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. In addition to its performances with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the chorus has also performed independently, presenting its own concerts and programs. One of the highlights of these independent performances was the chorus's 25th anniversary concert in 2001, which featured a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and was attended by over 3,000 people. The Saint Louis Symphony Chorus has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1983, the chorus was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance for its recording of "Verdi: Requiem." The chorus has also been recognized by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) for its performances of contemporary music and has received numerous awards from local and national organizations for its contributions to the arts. Today, the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus continues to be an integral part of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and the classical music world. Under the leadership of current director Amy Kaiser, the chorus continues to perform at the highest level and to inspire audiences with its exceptional performances. With a rich history and a bright future, the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus is a true testament to the power and beauty of classical music.

More....