London Symphony Chorus

London Symphony Chorus is a renowned British choir that has been an integral part of the country's rich musical heritage, often performing with the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of esteemed conductors such as Simon Rattle, Valery Gergiev, and Gustavo Dudamel. With its roots in London, the chorus has collaborated with numerous prominent orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and English Chamber Orchestra. The chorus has also had the privilege of working with celebrated composers like Thomas Adès, James MacMillan, and John Adams (composer).

History

The London Symphony Chorus was founded in 1966 by Simon Preston (organist) and has since become one of the most respected and sought-after choirs in the world, performing at iconic venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre, and Wigmore Hall. Over the years, the chorus has been led by distinguished conductors, including André Previn, Claudio Abbado, and Pierre Boulez, and has premiered works by notable composers like Harrison Birtwistle, Oliver Knussen, and Mark-Anthony Turnage. The chorus has also participated in various festivals, such as the BBC Proms, Edinburgh International Festival, and Aldeburgh Festival, and has collaborated with other esteemed ensembles, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, and New York Philharmonic.

Organization

The London Symphony Chorus is a self-governing organization, comprising approximately 150 singers who are selected through a rigorous audition process, similar to those used by other prominent choirs like the Choir of King's College, Cambridge and the BBC Singers. The chorus is managed by a committee of elected members, who work closely with the London Symphony Orchestra to plan and execute performances, often in conjunction with other organizations, such as the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, and Glyndebourne Festival Opera. The chorus also engages in educational outreach programs, partnering with institutions like the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Royal Academy of Music, and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance to promote choral music and provide opportunities for young singers.

Performances

The London Symphony Chorus has a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical works like Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (Beethoven) and Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor (Mozart) to contemporary pieces by composers such as Arvo Pärt, John Tavener, and James MacMillan. The chorus has performed with many renowned conductors, including Riccardo Muti, Mariss Jansons, and Daniel Barenboim, and has appeared at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and Konzerthaus Berlin. The chorus has also collaborated with other celebrated ensembles, such as the Monteverdi Choir, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and Academy of Ancient Music, and has participated in various international festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, Lucerne Festival, and Tanglewood Festival.

Recordings

The London Symphony Chorus has an extensive discography, with recordings on labels like Decca Records, EMI Classics, and Sony Classical. The chorus has recorded a wide range of repertoire, from classical works like Bach's Mass in B minor and Verdi's Requiem (Verdi) to contemporary pieces by composers such as Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Michael Nyman. The chorus has also recorded with many prominent conductors, including Georg Solti, Herbert von Karajan, and Leonard Bernstein, and has collaborated with other esteemed ensembles, such as the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, BBC Singers, and The Sixteen. The chorus's recordings have received critical acclaim, with many receiving awards and nominations, including the Grammy Award, Brit Award, and Gramophone Award.

Notable Conductors

The London Symphony Chorus has had the privilege of working with many notable conductors throughout its history, including Pierre Boulez, Simon Rattle, and Valery Gergiev. Other esteemed conductors who have led the chorus include André Previn, Claudio Abbado, and Riccardo Muti, as well as Daniel Barenboim, Mariss Jansons, and Gustavo Dudamel. The chorus has also collaborated with celebrated composers like Thomas Adès, James MacMillan, and John Adams (composer), and has premiered works by notable composers like Harrison Birtwistle, Oliver Knussen, and Mark-Anthony Turnage. The chorus's work with these conductors and composers has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including the Grammy Award, Brit Award, and Gramophone Award.

Category:British choirs