Genre

:

Opera

 

The Glyndebourne Festival Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been a fixture of the Glyndebourne Festival since its founding in 1934. The chorus has played a vital role in the festival's success, providing the vocal backbone for many of its most memorable productions. The Glyndebourne Festival Chorus was founded by John Christie, the founder of the Glyndebourne Festival, and Fritz Busch, the festival's first conductor. The chorus was initially made up of local amateur singers, but over time it evolved into a professional ensemble of around 120 singers. The chorus has had many notable members over the years, including the renowned soprano Dame Felicity Lott, who sang with the chorus early in her career. Other notable members have included the tenor Anthony Rolfe Johnson and the mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly. One of the highlights of the Glyndebourne Festival Chorus's history was its performance in the festival's production of Benjamin Britten's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in 1981. The production, which was directed by Peter Hall and conducted by Bernard Haitink, was a critical and commercial success, and the chorus's performance was widely praised. Another notable performance by the Glyndebourne Festival Chorus was in the festival's production of Richard Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" in 2003. The production, which was directed by Nikolaus Lehnhoff and conducted by Jirí Belohlávek, was a landmark event in the festival's history, and the chorus's performance was a key part of its success. The Glyndebourne Festival Chorus has also won many awards over the years, including the Royal Philharmonic Society's Chorus Award in 1999 and the Gramophone Award for Best Choral Performance in 2006 for its recording of Handel's "Messiah" with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to its work with the Glyndebourne Festival, the chorus has also performed with other leading orchestras and conductors, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Sir Simon Rattle. Overall, the Glyndebourne Festival Chorus has played a vital role in the success of the Glyndebourne Festival, and its performances have been a highlight of the festival's history. With its talented singers and dedicated leadership, the chorus is sure to continue to be a major force in the world of classical music for many years to come.

More....