Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Choeur des XVI de Fribourg is a classical music ensemble based in Fribourg, Switzerland. The choir was founded in 1951 by a group of sixteen students from the University of Fribourg who shared a passion for choral music. Over the years, the choir has grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the most respected choral ensembles in Switzerland and beyond. The choir's name, Choeur des XVI, refers to its original sixteen members. Today, the choir has around fifty members, all of whom are amateur singers with a deep love for choral music. The choir is led by its conductor, Jean-Christophe Groffe, who has been with the ensemble since 2011. Choeur des XVI de Fribourg has a wide-ranging repertoire that includes both sacred and secular music from the Renaissance to the present day. The choir has performed works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Brahms, and Britten, as well as contemporary composers such as Arvo Pärt and Eric Whitacre. One of the highlights of the choir's history was its performance at the 2008 World Choir Games in Graz, Austria. The choir competed in the mixed choir category and won a gold medal, cementing its reputation as one of the best choral ensembles in the world. The choir has also won numerous awards at national and international competitions, including the Grand Prix at the 2014 International Choral Competition in Varna, Bulgaria. In addition to its competition successes, Choeur des XVI de Fribourg has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Europe, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The choir has also collaborated with renowned orchestras such as the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne. One of the choir's most memorable performances was its 2016 concert at the Vatican, where it performed for Pope Francis and a large audience in the Sistine Chapel. The choir's performance of sacred music was praised for its beauty and emotional depth, and the choir received a standing ovation from the audience. Choeur des XVI de Fribourg is also committed to promoting choral music in its local community. The choir regularly performs in churches and concert halls in Fribourg and the surrounding area, and it has also organized workshops and masterclasses for local singers. Overall, Choeur des XVI de Fribourg is a testament to the power of amateur choral music. Through its dedication to excellence and its love for the art form, the choir has become a beloved institution in Switzerland and beyond. Its performances have touched the hearts of audiences around the world, and its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of choral singers.

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