Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Leipzig University Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over 70 years. Founded in 1947, the choir has become one of the most respected and celebrated choral groups in Germany and beyond. The choir was established by Kurt Thomas, a prominent German conductor and composer, who served as its first director. Thomas was a highly respected figure in the world of classical music, having previously worked as the conductor of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig. He was also a professor of choral conducting at the Leipzig Conservatory, where he trained many of the choir's early members. The Leipzig University Choir is made up of around 80 singers, all of whom are students or alumni of Leipzig University. The choir's members come from a wide range of academic disciplines, but they all share a passion for music and a commitment to excellence in performance. Over the years, the choir has performed a vast repertoire of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary works. The choir is particularly renowned for its performances of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, who lived and worked in Leipzig for many years. The choir has performed many of Bach's major choral works, including the St. Matthew Passion, the St. John Passion, and the Mass in B Minor. In addition to its performances of Bach's music, the Leipzig University Choir has also premiered many new works by contemporary composers. The choir has collaborated with a number of leading composers, including Arvo Pärt, György Ligeti, and Wolfgang Rihm. The Leipzig University Choir has performed in many of the world's most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. The choir has toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, and has received critical acclaim for its performances in each of these regions. One of the choir's most notable performances took place in 1989, when it performed at the Leipzig Peaceful Revolution. The concert, which was held in the St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig, was attended by over 70,000 people and was broadcast live on television. The concert was a powerful symbol of the role that music can play in promoting peace and social change. The Leipzig University Choir has also received numerous awards and accolades for its outstanding performances. In 2007, the choir was awarded the prestigious Echo Klassik award for its recording of Bach's St. Matthew Passion. The choir has also been awarded the German Record Critics' Award and the Diapason d'Or. Today, the Leipzig University Choir continues to be a leading force in the world of classical music. The choir's commitment to excellence in performance and its dedication to promoting peace and social change through music have made it one of the most respected and beloved choral groups in the world.

More....