Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Choral

 

Cantata Singers is a classical music ensemble based in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1964 by conductor and musicologist Robert Shaw, the group has become known for its performances of choral works from the Baroque and Classical periods, as well as contemporary compositions. The early years of Cantata Singers were marked by a focus on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, with the group performing his cantatas and other works in churches and concert halls throughout the Boston area. In 1970, the ensemble expanded its repertoire to include other composers of the Baroque era, such as Handel and Vivaldi. Under the leadership of conductor David Hoose, who joined the group in 1983, Cantata Singers continued to grow and evolve. Hoose brought a passion for contemporary music to the ensemble, and began incorporating works by living composers into the group's performances. This led to collaborations with composers such as John Harbison, Peter Lieberson, and Osvaldo Golijov, and the commissioning of new works specifically for Cantata Singers. One of the highlights of Cantata Singers' history came in 1990, when the group performed Bach's Mass in B Minor at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The performance was widely praised by critics, and helped to establish Cantata Singers as one of the premier choral ensembles in the United States. In addition to its performances of choral works, Cantata Singers has also been involved in educational outreach programs, bringing music education to schools and communities throughout the Boston area. The group has also collaborated with other arts organizations, such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Ballet, to create interdisciplinary performances that combine music, dance, and visual art. Over the years, Cantata Singers has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and contributions to the world of classical music. In 2001, the group was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts' prestigious American Masterpieces grant, which recognized Cantata Singers as one of the country's leading arts organizations. The group has also been honored with awards from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Boston Music Awards. Today, Cantata Singers continues to perform regularly in the Boston area and beyond, with a focus on both traditional choral works and contemporary compositions. The group remains committed to its mission of bringing the beauty and power of classical music to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and to fostering a love of music in future generations.

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