Chicago Symphony Chorus

Chicago Symphony Chorus is a professional symphonic chorus based in Chicago, Illinois, affiliated with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and performing regularly at Orchestra Hall and the Ravinia Festival. Founded in the late 1950s, the ensemble has a history of collaboration with leading conductors, soloists, and composers across the United States and international stages.

History

The ensemble was established under the auspices of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during the tenure of Fritz Reiner and developed through partnerships with music directors such as Jean Martinon, Sir Georg Solti, Riccardo Muti, and Riccardo Muti's successors. Early milestones included premieres and large-scale performances of works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Mahler, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Igor Stravinsky, and Aaron Copland with guest conductors like Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan, and Sir John Barbirolli. The chorus expanded its scope under directors tied to major cultural institutions such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago and appeared at festivals including Tanglewood and tours to venues like Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. Throughout decades the group has participated in premieres by contemporary composers associated with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and international ensembles.

Organization and Leadership

Administratively the ensemble operates within the organizational structure of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association and collaborates with institutions such as the Ravinia Festival and conservatories like the Curtis Institute of Music. Artistic leadership has included chorus directors connected to institutions like Eastman School of Music, Juilliard School, and the Royal College of Music. The chorus has worked under music directors including Sir Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim, and guest conductors from the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Management and stage leadership coordinate with unions and organizations such as the American Federation of Musicians when touring. The administrative staff liaises with presenters like Lincoln Center and cultural ministries during international engagements.

Repertoire and Performances

The ensemble's repertoire spans choral-orchestral masterpieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Giuseppe Verdi, as well as large-scale modern works by Benjamin Britten, Samuel Barber, Olivier Messiaen, and John Adams. Notable performances include complete cycles with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra of symphonies by Mahler and concert works such as Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Verdi's Requiem under conductors like Riccardo Muti and Sir Georg Solti. Guest appearances have paired the chorus with soloists from the Metropolitan Opera and conductors associated with the Glyndebourne Festival Opera and Bayreuth Festival. Programming frequently features collaborations with chamber groups such as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and ensembles connected to the New York Metropolitan Opera and contemporary music champions like Ensemble Modern.

Recordings and Awards

Studio and live recordings with the ensemble alongside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have earned accolades from organizations including the Grammy Awards and positive reviews in publications linked to institutions like The New York Times and Gramophone (magazine). Landmark recordings include interpretations of works by Mahler, Brahms, Verdi, and Stravinsky under conductors such as Sir Georg Solti and Riccardo Muti, released on labels associated with the Decca Records, RCA Victor, and EMI Classics. These projects have resulted in nominations and wins at the Gramophone Awards and international recognition from juries connected to festivals like Lucerne Festival and broadcasters such as the BBC. The chorus's discography is documented in catalogues maintained by archives linked to the Library of Congress and university music libraries including Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Education and Outreach

Education initiatives have partnered the chorus with schools and conservatories such as the Chicago Public Schools, Northwestern University, and community organizations like the Chicago Cultural Center. Outreach programs include side-by-side rehearsals, masterclasses with faculty from the Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard School, and youth choruses associated with institutions like the Chicago Children's Choir and area music festivals. The ensemble has participated in programs supported by foundations such as the MacArthur Foundation and cultural grants administered by agencies akin to the National Endowment for the Arts, engaging audiences through pre-concert talks, recordings used in educational curricula, and touring residencies with partners including the Smithsonian Institution and municipal arts councils.

Category:American choirs Category:Musical groups from Chicago Category:Symphonic choruses