Los Angeles Master Chorale

Los Angeles Master Chorale is a preeminent American choral ensemble based in Los Angeles, renowned for its artistic excellence and innovative programming. Founded in 1964 by conductor Roger Wagner, it has been a resident company of the Music Center since its inception and the principal resident chorus at the Walt Disney Concert Hall since the hall's opening. Under the artistic leadership of music director Grant Gershon, the ensemble presents a diverse repertoire spanning from the Renaissance to world premieres, performing both a cappella and with major orchestras like the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

History

The ensemble was established in 1964 by the pioneering choral conductor Roger Wagner, who also founded the famed Roger Wagner Chorale. Its inaugural concert was presented as part of the Music Center's inaugural season, performing alongside the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta. For decades, it performed primarily at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape. A pivotal moment in its history came in 2003 with the move to its permanent home, the acoustically celebrated Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry. This transition coincided with the appointment of Grant Gershon as music director, ushering in a new era of expanded artistic ambition and community engagement that continues to define the organization.

Artistic leadership

The founding music director, Roger Wagner, led the ensemble from 1964 until 1986, establishing its foundational sound and reputation. He was succeeded by John Currie, who served from 1986 to 1991, followed by Paul Salamunovich, a protégé of Wagner, from 1991 to 2001. Salamunovich was renowned for his expertise in Gregorian chant and the works of Morten Lauridsen. The current music director, Grant Gershon, assumed the position in 2001, previously having served as assistant conductor for the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Esa-Pekka Salonen. Gershon's tenure is marked by championing contemporary composers, including John Adams, Meredith Monk, and David Lang, while maintaining the ensemble's mastery of traditional canon. The chorus has also collaborated with eminent guest conductors such as Pierre Boulez, Gustavo Dudamel, and Michael Tilson Thomas.

Repertoire and performances

The ensemble's programming is exceptionally broad, encompassing major works from the Western canon like Bach's Mass in B minor and Verdi's Requiem to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. It has given numerous world premieres, including works by Steve Reich, John Harbison, and Julia Wolfe. A signature annual event is its performance of Handel's *Messiah* during the holiday season. The chorus frequently collaborates with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on large-scale symphonic-choral works, such as Mahler's Symphony No. 8 and Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms. It also presents more intimate a cappella programs and has participated in landmark festivals like the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Minimalist Jukebox and the Green Umbrella series.

Recordings and media

The ensemble has an extensive discography on labels such as Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, and Nonesuch. Notable recordings include the Grammy-nominated *A Good Understanding* under Paul Salamunovich and *Itaipu* by Philip Glass with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Under Grant Gershon, recordings have featured works by Morten Lauridsen, Arvo Pärt, and Ted Hearne. The chorus has been featured in film soundtracks, including Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, and on television broadcasts for PBS. Its performances are also regularly heard on national radio programs like Performance Today on NPR.

Awards and recognition

The ensemble has received consistent critical acclaim and numerous honors, including several Grammy Award nominations for its recordings. It was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America in 2006. Individual recordings, such as *Miserere* featuring music by Arvo Pärt and Henryk Górecki, have won awards including the Diapason d'Or. The chorus and its music director have been recognized with multiple ASCAP awards for adventurous programming. Its artistic home, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, is itself an award-winning architectural landmark, having received the Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects.

Category:American choirs Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles Category:Music organizations established in 1964