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Performer

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Contemporary

 

The North German Radio Chorus, also known as the NDR Chorus, is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Hamburg, Germany. The choir was founded in 1946 as part of the North German Radio (NDR) broadcasting network, and has since become one of the most respected and versatile choral groups in Europe. The NDR Chorus was established in the aftermath of World War II, when the NDR network was created to provide radio and television programming to the people of northern Germany. The choir was initially made up of just 16 singers, but quickly grew in size and reputation under the leadership of its first conductor, Helmut Franz. Franz was a respected choral director who had previously worked with the Berlin Radio Chorus, and he brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the fledgling ensemble. Over the years, the NDR Chorus has performed a wide range of choral music, from early music to contemporary works. The choir has collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors and orchestras, and has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals in Europe and beyond. One of the highlights of the NDR Chorus's early years was its participation in the 1951 Salzburg Festival, where it performed Bach's Mass in B Minor under the baton of conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler. This performance was widely praised for its precision and musicality, and helped to establish the NDR Chorus as a major force in the world of choral music. In the decades that followed, the NDR Chorus continued to build its reputation through a series of acclaimed performances and recordings. The choir's repertoire expanded to include works by composers such as Brahms, Bruckner, and Mahler, and it became known for its rich, warm sound and impeccable musicianship. One of the NDR Chorus's most notable collaborations was with conductor Herbert von Karajan, who invited the choir to perform with the Berlin Philharmonic in a series of concerts and recordings in the 1960s and 70s. These performances, which included works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Verdi, were widely regarded as some of the finest choral recordings of the era. In addition to its work with orchestras and conductors, the NDR Chorus has also been recognized for its own artistic achievements. The choir has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the prestigious Echo Klassik award for its recording of Brahms's Ein deutsches Requiem in 2007. Today, the NDR Chorus continues to be a vital and active part of the classical music world. The choir performs regularly in Hamburg and throughout Germany, and has also toured extensively in Europe and beyond. Its current conductor, Philipp Ahmann, is a respected choral director and composer who has worked with many of the world's leading ensembles. Despite its long and illustrious history, the NDR Chorus remains committed to exploring new musical horizons and pushing the boundaries of choral music. Whether performing a classic work by Bach or premiering a new composition by a contemporary composer, the choir continues to inspire and delight audiences with its passion, precision, and artistry.

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