Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

The Wexford Festival Opera Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over 50 years. The chorus was founded in 1961 by Dr. Tom Walsh, who was the musical director of the Wexford Festival Opera at the time. The festival was established in 1951 and quickly became one of the most prestigious opera festivals in the world. The Wexford Festival Opera Chorus was created to provide a high-quality choral accompaniment to the festival's productions. The Wexford Festival Opera Chorus started with just 30 members, but over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest and most respected choral ensembles in Ireland. The chorus is made up of both professional and amateur singers, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The singers come from all over Ireland and beyond, and they bring a wealth of experience and talent to the ensemble. The Wexford Festival Opera Chorus has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. They have also performed at numerous festivals and events throughout Ireland and Europe. The chorus has collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors and opera singers in the world, including Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, and Kiri Te Kanawa. One of the highlights of the Wexford Festival Opera Chorus's career was their performance of Verdi's "Requiem" at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1997. The performance was conducted by Carlo Rizzi and featured soloists including Kiri Te Kanawa and José Carreras. The performance was a huge success and received critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike. The Wexford Festival Opera Chorus has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2012, they were awarded the prestigious Irish Times Theatre Award for Best Opera Production for their performance of "Silent Night" by Kevin Puts. The chorus has also been nominated for several other awards, including the International Opera Awards and the Irish Times Theatre Awards. In addition to their performances with the Wexford Festival Opera, the chorus also performs regularly with other orchestras and ensembles. They have collaborated with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, and the Ulster Orchestra, among others. The chorus has also recorded several albums, including "The Wexford Carols" and "The Wexford Festival Opera Chorus Sings Verdi." The Wexford Festival Opera Chorus is known for their exceptional musicianship, their versatility, and their ability to bring a wide range of musical styles to life. They have performed everything from traditional Irish folk songs to contemporary opera, and they have always maintained a high standard of excellence in their performances. The chorus has become an integral part of the Wexford Festival Opera, and their contributions to the festival's productions have helped to make it one of the most respected opera festivals in the world. In conclusion, the Wexford Festival Opera Chorus is a world-class classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. Their exceptional musicianship, versatility, and dedication to their craft have made them one of the most respected choral ensembles in Ireland and beyond.

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