Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Bratislava City Chorus is a classical music ensemble based in Bratislava, Slovakia. The ensemble was founded in 1973 by conductor Ladislav Slovák, who served as its artistic director until 2001. The choir has since been led by several other conductors, including Blanka Juhaňáková, Jozef Chabroň, and Juraj Pospíšil. The Bratislava City Chorus is made up of approximately 80 singers, who are all volunteers. The choir's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from Renaissance and Baroque to contemporary works. The ensemble has performed with many renowned orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Czech Philharmonic. One of the highlights of the Bratislava City Chorus's career was its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in 1989, which was conducted by Leonard Bernstein. The concert was held in Bratislava's historic St. Martin's Cathedral and was attended by over 10,000 people. The performance was later released on CD and DVD and has been widely praised for its emotional intensity and musicality. The choir has also performed in many other prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Musikverein in Vienna, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2013, the ensemble performed at the Vatican for Pope Francis, as part of a celebration of the 1,150th anniversary of the arrival of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia. Over the years, the Bratislava City Chorus has received many awards and honors for its performances. In 1985, the choir won first prize at the International Choral Competition in Arezzo, Italy. The ensemble has also been awarded the title "Choir of the Year" by the Slovak Ministry of Culture several times. In addition to its performances, the Bratislava City Chorus is also committed to promoting choral music and supporting young musicians. The choir regularly hosts workshops and masterclasses for singers and conductors, and has established a scholarship program for young musicians. Today, the Bratislava City Chorus continues to be one of the most respected and acclaimed choral ensembles in Europe. The choir's commitment to musical excellence and its dedication to promoting choral music have made it a beloved institution in Slovakia and beyond.

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