Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble is a Seattle-based classical music ensemble that specializes in a cappella choral music. The ensemble was founded in 1999 by Loren Pontén, a renowned choral conductor and music educator. Pontén had previously served as the director of choral activities at the University of Washington and had conducted numerous choirs and ensembles throughout the Pacific Northwest. Pontén founded Opus 7 with the goal of creating a professional-level choral ensemble that would perform a wide range of choral music, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works. The ensemble's name, Opus 7, reflects this commitment to performing music from different eras and styles. The ensemble's core members are professional singers who have extensive experience performing choral music. Many of the singers have sung with other prominent choral ensembles in the Pacific Northwest, such as the Seattle Symphony Chorale and the Tudor Choir. The ensemble's current members include sopranos Melissa Plagemann and Sarah Mattox, altos Sarah Pyle and Melissa Walsh, tenors Ryan Bede and Eric Neuville, and basses Jonathan Silvia and Charles Robert Stephens. Since its founding, Opus 7 has performed numerous concerts throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The ensemble has collaborated with other prominent musical organizations, such as the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and the Early Music Guild. Opus 7 has also performed at several prestigious music festivals, including the American Choral Directors Association National Conference and the Chorus America Conference. One of the highlights of Opus 7's career was its performance at the 2008 World Symposium on Choral Music in Copenhagen, Denmark. The ensemble was one of only six choirs from the United States invited to perform at the symposium, which is considered one of the most prestigious choral events in the world. Opus 7's performance was well-received by the international audience and helped to raise the ensemble's profile on the global stage. Opus 7 has also received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. The ensemble's debut album, "Sacred Treasures of England," was named one of the top classical recordings of 2002 by the Seattle Times. The ensemble's recording of "Requiem" by Maurice Duruflé was also highly praised and received a Grammy nomination in 2010. In addition to its performances and recordings, Opus 7 is committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for local choirs and schools, and has established a scholarship program for young singers who are interested in pursuing a career in choral music. Overall, Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble has established itself as one of the premier choral ensembles in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. With its commitment to performing a wide range of choral music and its dedication to music education and outreach, the ensemble has become a beloved institution in the Seattle music community and beyond.

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