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Ensemble

 

Stour Music Chorus is a classical music ensemble based in Kent, England. The group was founded in 1968 by conductor and composer Antony Hodgson, who served as the group's musical director until his retirement in 2015. The ensemble is known for its performances of choral works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as contemporary compositions. The group's name is derived from the River Stour, which flows through the Kent countryside. The ensemble's early performances were held in local churches and other venues, and the group quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances. In 1972, the group was invited to perform at the Canterbury Festival, one of the largest arts festivals in the UK. This performance marked the beginning of a long relationship between Stour Music Chorus and the festival, and the group has since become a regular fixture at the event. Over the years, Stour Music Chorus has performed a wide range of choral works, including pieces by Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven. The group has also commissioned and premiered new works by contemporary composers, including John Tavener, Judith Bingham, and James MacMillan. In addition to its regular performances in Kent, the group has also toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe, performing in venues such as St. Paul's Cathedral in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Salzburg Festival in Austria. One of the highlights of Stour Music Chorus's history was its performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in 1999. This monumental work, which tells the story of Christ's crucifixion, is considered one of the greatest choral works of all time. The performance, which took place at Canterbury Cathedral, featured a large orchestra and choir, as well as soloists from the UK and Europe. The concert was a critical and commercial success, and it cemented Stour Music Chorus's reputation as one of the UK's leading choral ensembles. Another notable performance by Stour Music Chorus was its 2010 performance of Handel's Messiah at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The concert was part of the celebrations for the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, and it was attended by members of the royal family, as well as other dignitaries and guests. The performance was broadcast on television and radio throughout the UK, and it was widely praised for its musical excellence and emotional power. Over the years, Stour Music Chorus has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances. In 1997, the group was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor. The group has also been nominated for several other Gramophone Awards, as well as the BBC Music Magazine Awards. In addition, the group has been recognized for its contributions to the cultural life of Kent, and it has received awards from the Kent County Council and other local organizations. Today, Stour Music Chorus continues to be one of the UK's leading choral ensembles. The group is now led by conductor Mark Deller, who took over as musical director following Hodgson's retirement in 2015. Under Deller's leadership, the group has continued to perform a wide range of choral works, and it has maintained its reputation for musical excellence and innovation. With a rich history and a bright future, Stour Music Chorus remains a vital part of the UK's cultural landscape.

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