Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

The University of California Chorus is a classical music ensemble that has been a staple of the University of California, Berkeley's music program since its founding in 1965. The chorus is made up of students, faculty, staff, and community members who share a passion for choral music and strive to create beautiful and meaningful performances. The University of California Chorus was founded by Professor Emeritus Marika Kuzma, who served as the chorus's director for over 30 years. Kuzma was a renowned choral conductor and music educator who had previously directed the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus. She brought her expertise and passion for choral music to the University of California, Berkeley, where she founded the chorus as a way to provide students and community members with the opportunity to participate in high-quality choral performances. Over the years, the University of California Chorus has grown in size and reputation, attracting talented singers from all over the Bay Area. The chorus has performed a wide range of choral works, from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions, and has collaborated with many renowned musicians and ensembles. One of the highlights of the University of California Chorus's history was its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in 1985, which was conducted by the legendary Leonard Bernstein. The performance was part of a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's birth and was held at the Greek Theatre on the University of California, Berkeley campus. The chorus was joined by the San Francisco Symphony and a cast of soloists, including soprano June Anderson, mezzo-soprano Jard van Nes, tenor Vinson Cole, and bass-baritone Simon Estes. The performance was a resounding success and was hailed as a triumph for the chorus and for the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to its performance with Leonard Bernstein, the University of California Chorus has collaborated with many other renowned musicians and ensembles over the years. The chorus has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, the Berkeley Symphony, the Oakland Symphony, and the San Francisco Opera, among others. The chorus has also worked with many distinguished conductors, including Kent Nagano, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Gustavo Dudamel. The University of California Chorus has also been recognized for its excellence in choral music. In 1990, the chorus was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence by Chorus America, a national organization that supports and promotes choral music. The award recognized the chorus's outstanding performances and its commitment to choral music education. In addition to its major performances and awards, the University of California Chorus has also been an important part of the University of California, Berkeley's music program. The chorus has provided students with the opportunity to learn and perform choral music at a high level, and has helped to foster a love of music and the arts on campus. The chorus has also been a valuable resource for the community, providing opportunities for local singers to participate in high-quality choral performances. Today, the University of California Chorus continues to be a vibrant and active part of the University of California, Berkeley's music program.

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