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Ensemble

 

The Alumni Chorus is a classical music ensemble that has been delighting audiences for over 50 years. Founded in 1969, the ensemble is made up of alumni from the University of Michigan who share a passion for choral music. The group has become known for its exceptional performances and has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. The founding of the Alumni Chorus can be traced back to a group of University of Michigan alumni who were looking for a way to continue singing after graduation. Led by conductor Thomas Hilbish, the group began rehearsing in the fall of 1969 and quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional performances. The ensemble's first concert was held in December of that year and was met with great enthusiasm from the audience. Over the years, the Alumni Chorus has grown in size and reputation. Today, the ensemble is made up of over 200 members, all of whom are alumni of the University of Michigan. The group is led by conductor Jerry Blackstone, who has been with the ensemble since 2001. Blackstone is a renowned choral conductor and has led the ensemble to numerous awards and accolades. One of the highlights of the Alumni Chorus's history was their performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 1998. The group was invited to perform as part of the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage series, which showcases some of the best performing arts groups from around the world. The Alumni Chorus's performance was met with great acclaim and helped to raise the group's profile on the national stage. Another notable performance by the Alumni Chorus was their collaboration with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2017. The group joined forces with the orchestra to perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, one of the most iconic pieces of classical music. The performance was a huge success and received rave reviews from both critics and audiences. In addition to their major performances, the Alumni Chorus has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, the group was awarded the American Prize in Choral Performance, which recognizes excellence in choral music in the United States. The ensemble has also been recognized by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Despite their many accomplishments, the Alumni Chorus remains committed to their mission of bringing choral music to audiences around the world. The group continues to perform regularly, both in their home state of Michigan and beyond. They have also released several recordings over the years, including a collection of Christmas carols and a recording of Brahms's Ein deutsches Requiem. In conclusion, the Alumni Chorus is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant impact on the world of choral music. Founded over 50 years ago by a group of University of Michigan alumni, the ensemble has grown in size and reputation over the years. Led by conductor Jerry Blackstone, the group has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world and has received numerous awards and accolades. Despite their many accomplishments, the Alumni Chorus remains committed to their mission of bringing choral music to audiences around the world.

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