A history of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, 1957--2000.

Abstract

*The dissertation includes a CD that is compound (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation).

Founded in 1957 by Margaret Hillis at the request of Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Fritz Reiner, the Chicago Symphony Chorus grew to become considered one of the world's greatest symphony choruses today, and one of the finest of any type of chorus. Through the determination and personality of the Chorus' founder and long-time director, and the high expectations and new opportunities presented from conductors of the Orchestra such as Sir Georg Solti, the Chorus developed a degree of ensemble precision, clear diction, vocal power, and musicality that was unheard of for large choirs. Resources were provided for many of the singers to be paid as part-time professionals, and it remains one of the largest professional groups in the country, though it retains a body of volunteers. Through appearances at Carnegie Hall, two tours to Europe, and the recording of over 50 albums, the Chorus and its directors gained international reputations for excellence. In addition to winning the Grand Prix du Disque for its first recording of Berlioz's La Damnation de Faust, the Chorus has won nine GrammyRTM Awards for Best Choral Performance, a record in that category, and has appeared on numerous other Grammy-winning recordings. Today the Chicago Symphony Chorus continues its excellent singing and is working to expand its audience and increase its value in the community by an ambitious series of outreach and educational programs under its second Music Director, Duain Wolfe. This study goes through each season's programs through the year 2000, giving highlights of the more important events in the ensemble's history, and following the growth in the organization that made its quest for excellence possible.*