Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Plymouth Music Series Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1972 by conductor Philip Brunelle, the chorus has become one of the most respected and beloved choral groups in the United States. The origins of the Plymouth Music Series Chorus can be traced back to the Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, where Brunelle was the music director. In 1972, he founded the Plymouth Music Series, a concert series that aimed to bring world-class classical music performances to the Twin Cities area. As part of this series, Brunelle formed the Plymouth Music Series Chorus, which quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. Over the years, the Plymouth Music Series Chorus has performed a wide range of repertoire, from Renaissance motets to contemporary works. The chorus has collaborated with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. They have also worked with some of the most celebrated conductors of our time, including Sir Neville Marriner, Leonard Slatkin, and Edo de Waart. One of the highlights of the Plymouth Music Series Chorus's career was their performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Minnesota Orchestra in 1989. This performance was part of the celebration of the bicentennial of the French Revolution, and it was broadcast live on national television. The chorus received widespread acclaim for their performance, which was described as "powerful," "moving," and "inspiring." Another notable performance by the Plymouth Music Series Chorus was their collaboration with the Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in 1992. This performance featured the world premiere of Stephen Paulus's "To Be Certain of the Dawn," a work that was commissioned by the Plymouth Music Series to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. The performance was a deeply moving tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, and it received critical acclaim for its emotional power and musical excellence. In addition to their performances with orchestras, the Plymouth Music Series Chorus has also given many concerts on their own. One of their most memorable performances was their 1995 concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This concert featured a program of American choral music, including works by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and Charles Ives. The chorus received a standing ovation from the audience, and the New York Times praised their "rich, full-bodied sound" and "impeccable musicianship." Over the years, the Plymouth Music Series Chorus has received many awards and honors for their outstanding performances. In 1991, they were awarded the prestigious ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes choral ensembles that demonstrate a commitment to innovative and diverse programming. In 2000, they received the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence, which is given by Chorus America to recognize outstanding choral ensembles that have made significant contributions to the field of choral music. Today, the Plymouth Music Series Chorus continues to be a vital and vibrant part of the classical music scene in Minnesota and beyond. Under the leadership of Philip Brunelle, they remain committed to bringing the highest quality choral music to audiences around the world.

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