Los Angeles Master Chorale

Los Angeles Master Chorale is a renowned American choir based in Los Angeles, California, known for its diverse and extensive repertoire, which includes works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Igor Stravinsky. The choir has performed with numerous prominent orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic, under the baton of esteemed conductors such as Gustavo Dudamel and Leonard Bernstein. With a rich history spanning over five decades, the Los Angeles Master Chorale has established itself as a leading vocal ensemble, collaborating with artists like Plácido Domingo and Renée Fleming. The choir's performances have been praised by critics from The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times, solidifying its position as a major force in the world of classical music, alongside institutions like the Metropolitan Opera and the San Francisco Symphony.

● History

The Los Angeles Master Chorale was founded in 1964 by Roger Wagner, who served as its first music director, and has since been led by notable conductors, including Paul Salamunovich and Grant Gershon. During its early years, the choir performed regularly with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, under the direction of Zubin Mehta and Carlo Maria Giulini. The choir has also been associated with other prominent venues, such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry. Over the years, the Los Angeles Master Chorale has toured extensively, performing at festivals like the Ojai Music Festival and the Aspen Music Festival, and has collaborated with ensembles like the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the American Youth Symphony.

● Music Directors

The music directors of the Los Angeles Master Chorale have played a significant role in shaping the choir's artistic vision and repertoire, which includes works by George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Roger Wagner was succeeded by Paul Salamunovich, who led the choir for over 20 years, during which time it performed with orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic. Grant Gershon has been the choir's music director since 2001, and has led the ensemble in performances of works by Steve Reich, John Adams, and Elliott Carter, as well as collaborations with artists like John Williams and Michael Tilson Thomas. The choir has also worked with guest conductors, including Robert Shaw and Helmut Rilling, and has performed at events like the Grammy Awards and the Academy Awards.

● Repertoire

The Los Angeles Master Chorale's repertoire is diverse and extensive, encompassing a wide range of styles and periods, from the Renaissance to the present day, including works by William Byrd, Orlando di Lasso, and Heinrich Schütz. The choir has performed numerous oratorios, including Handel's Messiah and Bach's Mass in B minor, as well as symphonies with chorus, such as Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and Mahler's Symphony No. 2. The choir has also premiered works by contemporary composers, including Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre, and has collaborated with ensembles like the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and the Hollywood Studio Symphony. The Los Angeles Master Chorale has performed at festivals like the Tanglewood Music Festival and the Ravinia Festival, and has worked with institutions like the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music.

● Performances and Collaborations

The Los Angeles Master Chorale has performed with many prominent orchestras and ensembles, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductors like Simon Rattle and Valery Gergiev. The choir has also collaborated with artists from other genres, such as jazz and pop music, including Herbie Hancock and Josh Groban. The Los Angeles Master Chorale has performed at numerous venues, including the Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, performing at festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Salzburg Festival. The choir has also worked with organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council.

● Education and Community Outreach

The Los Angeles Master Chorale is committed to education and community outreach, offering programs like the Los Angeles Master Chorale High School Choir Festival and the Chorale Lab, which provide opportunities for young singers to work with the choir and its music director, Grant Gershon. The choir also offers workshops and masterclasses, led by artists like Christine Brewer and Thomas Quasthoff, and has partnered with organizations like the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Music Center of Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles Master Chorale has also collaborated with other ensembles, such as the Los Angeles Children's Chorus and the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, to promote choral music and provide opportunities for singers of all ages and backgrounds.

● Discography

The Los Angeles Master Chorale has released numerous recordings, including albums of works by Mozart, Bach, and Stravinsky, as well as contemporary composers like Arvo Pärt and James MacMillan. The choir has recorded for labels like Decca Records and Nonesuch Records, and has received critical acclaim for its performances, including a Grammy Award nomination for its recording of Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna. The Los Angeles Master Chorale's discography also includes collaborations with artists like André Previn and Michael Giacchino, and has been praised by critics from The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times. The choir's recordings have been featured on radio stations like KUSC and WQXR, and have been recognized by organizations like the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.