Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

The Seattle Symphony Chorale is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over four decades. The chorale was founded in 1976 by Margaret Hillis, a distinguished conductor and choral director who had previously served as the director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. Hillis was invited to Seattle by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra's music director, Milton Katims, to establish a professional-level chorus that would perform with the orchestra. Under Hillis's leadership, the Seattle Symphony Chorale quickly established itself as one of the premier choral ensembles in the Pacific Northwest. The chorale's first performance was in December 1976, when it joined the Seattle Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Handel's Messiah. The concert was a resounding success, and the Seattle Times praised the chorale's "rich, full-bodied sound" and "impressive precision." Over the years, the Seattle Symphony Chorale has performed a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary works. The chorale has collaborated with many renowned conductors and soloists, including Gerard Schwarz, Itzhak Perlman, and Yo-Yo Ma. The chorale has also performed at many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the BBC Proms. One of the highlights of the Seattle Symphony Chorale's history was its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in 1989. The concert was part of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra's celebration of the bicentennial of Beethoven's birth, and it featured a star-studded lineup of soloists, including soprano Jessye Norman and tenor Vinson Cole. The Seattle Times called the performance "a triumph," praising the chorale's "powerful and expressive singing." In addition to its performances with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Chorale has also performed independently, presenting its own concerts and collaborating with other ensembles. In 1998, the chorale performed a concert of Russian choral music with the St. Petersburg Chamber Choir, which was led by the renowned conductor Nikolai Korniev. The concert was a critical and commercial success, and it was later released on CD. Over the years, the Seattle Symphony Chorale has received many accolades for its exceptional performances. In 1983, the chorale was awarded the ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes choral ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to innovative and diverse repertoire. In 2003, the chorale was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence, which is presented by Chorus America to honor outstanding choral ensembles. Today, the Seattle Symphony Chorale continues to be a vital part of the Pacific Northwest's cultural landscape. The chorale is led by Joseph Crnko, who has been the director since 1986. Under Crnko's leadership, the chorale has continued to expand its repertoire and collaborate with other ensembles. In recent years, the chorale has performed works by contemporary composers such as John Adams and Arvo Pärt, as well as traditional choral masterpieces by Bach, Mozart, and Brahms. In conclusion, the Seattle Symphony Chorale is a world-class choral ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over four decades.

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