Genre

:

Choral

 

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus is a world-renowned classical music ensemble based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1945, the ensemble has become one of the most respected and celebrated orchestras in the United States, known for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra was founded by a group of local music enthusiasts who were inspired by the success of other regional orchestras across the country. Led by conductor Henry Sopkin, the ensemble began as a small group of musicians who performed in local churches and schools. Over time, the orchestra grew in size and reputation, attracting some of the most talented musicians from around the world. Today, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is led by music director Robert Spano, who has been with the ensemble since 2001. Spano is known for his innovative programming and his commitment to contemporary music, and has led the orchestra to numerous accolades and awards. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is made up of over 90 musicians, many of whom have been with the ensemble for years. The orchestra's principal players are some of the most respected musicians in the world, and include concertmaster David Coucheron, principal cellist Christopher Rex, and principal bassoonist Andrew Brady. In addition to its exceptional musicians, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is also known for its chorus, which was founded in 1970. The chorus is made up of over 200 volunteer singers, and has performed with the orchestra on numerous occasions, including at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Over the years, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has performed some of the most iconic works in the classical music repertoire, including Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Mahler's Symphony No. 2, and Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. The ensemble has also premiered numerous new works by contemporary composers, including Jennifer Higdon, Michael Gandolfi, and Osvaldo Golijov. One of the highlights of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's history was its performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The orchestra performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of the games, and also gave a series of concerts throughout the city. The ensemble's performance of John Williams' Olympic Fanfare and Theme was particularly memorable, and was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. In addition to its performances, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has also been recognized for its recordings. The ensemble has won numerous Grammy Awards for its recordings, including awards for Best Classical Album, Best Orchestral Performance, and Best Choral Performance. Despite its many successes, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has faced its share of challenges over the years. In 2014, the ensemble was forced to cancel several concerts due to a labor dispute between the musicians and management. The dispute was eventually resolved, but not before causing significant disruption to the orchestra's schedule. Despite these challenges, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra remains one of the most respected and celebrated classical music ensembles in the world. With its exceptional musicianship, innovative programming, and commitment to new music, the ensemble continues to inspire audiences around the world and to push the boundaries of classical music performance.

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