Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Gregg Smith Singers is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1955 by Gregg Smith, an American conductor and composer. The ensemble is known for its performances of contemporary classical music, as well as its interpretations of traditional choral works. Gregg Smith was born in 1931 in New York City and began his musical career as a singer in the choir of St. Thomas Church. He later studied music at the Juilliard School and the University of Illinois, where he earned a master's degree in choral conducting. After completing his studies, Smith returned to New York City and founded the Gregg Smith Singers. The ensemble's early performances were focused on contemporary classical music, and Smith quickly gained a reputation for his innovative programming and adventurous approach to choral music. The group's first major performance was in 1956, when they premiered a new work by composer John Cage at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Over the years, the Gregg Smith Singers became known for their collaborations with some of the most important composers of the 20th century. They worked closely with composers such as Aaron Copland, Elliott Carter, and Charles Ives, and premiered many of their works. The ensemble also performed works by European composers such as Igor Stravinsky and Benjamin Britten. One of the highlights of the Gregg Smith Singers' career was their performance at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City. The ensemble performed a program of American choral music, including works by Copland, Ives, and Samuel Barber. The performance was broadcast on national television and helped to establish the group as one of the leading choral ensembles in the United States. In addition to their performances of contemporary classical music, the Gregg Smith Singers also became known for their interpretations of traditional choral works. They recorded several albums of Renaissance and Baroque music, including works by Palestrina, Monteverdi, and Bach. The ensemble also performed regularly with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and other major orchestras. They were invited to perform at the White House for President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967, and again for President Richard Nixon in 1970. Throughout their career, the Gregg Smith Singers received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. They won three Grammy Awards for their recordings of contemporary classical music, and were awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1996. Despite the group's success, the Gregg Smith Singers disbanded in 2003, after nearly 50 years of performing together. Gregg Smith passed away in 2016, but his legacy as a conductor and composer continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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