Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Chicago Symphony Chorus is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences for over 60 years. Founded in 1957 by Margaret Hillis, the chorus has become an integral part of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and has performed with some of the most celebrated conductors and soloists in the world. Margaret Hillis was a pioneering figure in the world of choral music. She was the first woman to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and was a tireless advocate for the importance of choral music in the classical music canon. Hillis founded the Chicago Symphony Chorus with the goal of creating a world-class ensemble that could perform the most challenging and complex choral works in the repertoire. The Chicago Symphony Chorus is made up of approximately 120 volunteer singers who come from all walks of life. The chorus is known for its exceptional musicianship and its ability to perform a wide range of choral works, from the most traditional to the most avant-garde. The chorus has a rigorous audition process, and members are expected to maintain a high level of commitment and dedication to the ensemble. Over the years, the Chicago Symphony Chorus has performed with some of the most celebrated conductors in the world, including Sir Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim, and Riccardo Muti. The chorus has also collaborated with many of the world's most renowned soloists, including Plácido Domingo, Renée Fleming, and Yo-Yo Ma. One of the highlights of the Chicago Symphony Chorus's history was its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with Sir Georg Solti in 1972. The performance was recorded and went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance. The chorus has also won numerous other awards and accolades over the years, including the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming and the Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. In addition to its performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Chorus has also performed on its own and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. The chorus has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonic. The Chicago Symphony Chorus has also been involved in many community outreach programs over the years. The chorus has worked with local schools and community organizations to promote the importance of choral music and to provide opportunities for young people to experience the joy of singing. Today, the Chicago Symphony Chorus continues to be a vital part of the classical music world. Under the direction of Duain Wolfe, the chorus remains committed to excellence in choral performance and to the promotion of choral music as an essential part of the classical music canon. With its rich history and its ongoing commitment to musical excellence, the Chicago Symphony Chorus is sure to continue to captivate audiences for many years to come.

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