Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia
Encyclopedia
The Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia is a 60-voice choir
founded in 1982 in Philadelphia
. The chorus consists of volunteer singers with a 12-voice professional core. The Choral Arts Society is currently directed by Matthew Glandorf, who also serves on the faculty
of the Curtis Institute of Music
. The group has performed nearly 200 works by more than 100 composer
s.
In 2002 the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence, presented to a single chorus each year by Chorus America. That same year, the group was named Best of Philly by Philadelphia Magazine.
Throughout its history, the Choral Arts Society has been dedicated to the commissioning
and performance of new music. The choir has performed world premiere
s of works by Robert Convery, Edward Bilous, Jake Heggie
, Robert Maggio, Neely Bruce
, Thomas Jennefelt
, and Jonathan Harvey
, among others. In 2007, as part of its 25th anniversary season, the group presented a world premiere by Roxanna Panufnik
.
In addition to presenting a three- or four-concert season of its own each year, the Choral Arts Society has been a frequent collaborator with other Philadelphia cultural groups including the Philadelphia Orchestra
, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
, Piffaro, and the Pennsylvania Ballet
.
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
founded in 1982 in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
. The chorus consists of volunteer singers with a 12-voice professional core. The Choral Arts Society is currently directed by Matthew Glandorf, who also serves on the faculty
Faculty (university)
A faculty is a division within a university comprising one subject area, or a number of related subject areas...
of the Curtis Institute of Music
Curtis Institute of Music
The Curtis Institute of Music is a conservatory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that offers courses of study leading to a performance Diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in Opera, and Professional Studies Certificate in Opera. According to statistics compiled by U.S...
. The group has performed nearly 200 works by more than 100 composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
s.
In 2002 the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence, presented to a single chorus each year by Chorus America. That same year, the group was named Best of Philly by Philadelphia Magazine.
Throughout its history, the Choral Arts Society has been dedicated to the commissioning
Contract
A contract is an agreement entered into by two parties or more with the intention of creating a legal obligation, which may have elements in writing. Contracts can be made orally. The remedy for breach of contract can be "damages" or compensation of money. In equity, the remedy can be specific...
and performance of new music. The choir has performed world premiere
Premiere
A premiere is generally "a first performance". This can refer to plays, films, television programs, operas, symphonies, ballets and so on. Premieres for theatrical, musical and other cultural presentations can become extravagant affairs, attracting large numbers of socialites and much media...
s of works by Robert Convery, Edward Bilous, Jake Heggie
Jake Heggie
Jake Heggie is an American composer and pianist.Jake Heggie is the composer of the operas Dead Man Walking , The End of the Affair , At The Statue of Venus , To Hell and Back , and Moby-Dick , as well as the stage work For a Look or a Touch...
, Robert Maggio, Neely Bruce
Neely Bruce
Neely Bruce , Professor of Music and American Studies at Wesleyan University, is a composer, conductor, pianist and scholar of American music....
, Thomas Jennefelt
Thomas Jennefelt
-Selected works:Opera* The Jesters Hamlet * The Vessel * Sports&Leisure * Paulus.Das ängstliche Harren der KreaturOrchestra* Music by a Mountain * Stockholm in May for trumpet and string orchestra...
, and Jonathan Harvey
Jonathan Harvey (composer)
Jonathan Harvey is a British composer. He has held teaching positions at universities and music conservatories in Europe and the USA and is frequently invited to teach in summer schools around the world.-Life:...
, among others. In 2007, as part of its 25th anniversary season, the group presented a world premiere by Roxanna Panufnik
Roxanna Panufnik
Roxanna Panufnik is a British composer of Polish heritage. She is the daughter of the composer and conductor Sir Andrzej Panufnik....
.
In addition to presenting a three- or four-concert season of its own each year, the Choral Arts Society has been a frequent collaborator with other Philadelphia cultural groups including the Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
A founding resident company of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia is a 33-member professional ensemble led by Dirk Brossé...
, Piffaro, and the Pennsylvania Ballet
Pennsylvania Ballet
Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protégée Barbara Weisberger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the leading ballet companies in the United States. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the company’s annual local season features six programs of classic favorites and new works, including the...
.