Washington National Cathedral Choir

Washington National Cathedral Choir is a renowned choir based at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., performing with notable conductors such as Leonard Bernstein and Mstislav Rostropovich. The choir has collaborated with esteemed ensembles like the National Symphony Orchestra and the United States Marine Band. As a premier choir, it has participated in significant events, including the State Funeral of President Ronald Reagan and the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. With its rich history and diverse repertoire, the choir has worked with celebrated artists like Plácido Domingo and Renée Fleming.

● History

The choir's history dates back to the early 20th century, with its first performance taking place in 1907, featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Over the years, the choir has been led by distinguished conductors, including Douglas Major and Michael McCarthy, who have contributed to its growth and success. The choir has performed at various notable events, such as the Funeral of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Inauguration of President George H.W. Bush, alongside other prominent choirs like the United States Army Chorus and the United States Navy Band. The choir has also collaborated with famous composers, including Samuel Barber and Leonard Bernstein, on works like Mass and Chichester Psalms.

● Organization

The choir is part of the Washington National Cathedral's music program, which also includes the Washington National Cathedral Boys Choir and the Washington National Cathedral Girls Choir. The choir is composed of professional singers, including sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The choir is supported by the Washington National Cathedral's staff, including the Dean of Washington National Cathedral and the Canon for Music at Washington National Cathedral. The choir has also worked with other organizations, such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kennedy Center, to promote the arts and music education.

● Music

The choir's repertoire includes a wide range of music, from classical works by George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach to contemporary pieces by John Rutter and Morten Lauridsen. The choir has performed notable works, such as Messiah and Requiem, with orchestras like the National Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The choir has also premiered new compositions, including works by Dominick Argento and William Bolcom, and has collaborated with other ensembles, such as the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the Washington Bach Consort.

● Performances

The choir performs regularly at the Washington National Cathedral, as well as at other venues in the Washington, D.C. area, including the Kennedy Center and the National Theatre. The choir has also toured internationally, performing in countries such as Canada, England, and France, and has participated in festivals like the BBC Proms and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The choir has collaborated with famous conductors, including Seiji Ozawa and Kurt Masur, and has performed with renowned ensembles, such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra.

● Discography

The choir has released several recordings, featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and George Frideric Handel, among others. The choir's recordings have been released on labels such as Naxos Records and Decca Records, and have received critical acclaim from publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post. The choir has also been featured on recordings with other ensembles, including the National Symphony Orchestra and the United States Marine Band, and has collaborated with notable producers, such as Steven Epstein and Thomas Frost.

● Members

The choir is composed of professional singers, including sopranos like Renee Fleming and Dawn Upshaw, altos like David Daniels and Bejun Mehta, tenors like Plácido Domingo and Juan Diego Flórez, and basses like Bryn Terfel and Eric Owens. The choir's members have performed with other notable ensembles, including the Metropolitan Opera and the San Francisco Opera, and have worked with celebrated conductors, such as James Levine and Valery Gergiev. The choir's members have also received awards and recognition, including Grammy Awards and National Medal of Arts, for their contributions to the world of music.