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Conducted by Dr. Kimberly Dunn Adams, the University Chorale is Western Michigan University's (WMU) flagship choral ensemble and represents the University at home and throughout the world. This highly esteemed ensemble is selected by audition and meets Monday through Friday from 11 to 11:50 a.m. The Chorale's annual performance itinerary includes concerts and festivals on the WMU campus, appearances in neighboring communities and churches, tours within the USA and an international tour every third year.
WMU Chorale has a long history of excellence in performance and competition, and has appeared alongside professional ensembles such as the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. In 2002, WMU Chorale became the first choir from the USA to receive the grand prize at the Robert Schumann International Choral Competition. The following February, the ensemble presented three solo performances at the 2003 ACDA National Convention in New York City. In May 2004, UMU Chorale was featured on the opening concert of the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival performing Igor Stravinsky's Svadebka, and in October, at the 2004 ACDA Michigan State Convention in Grand Rapids. In May 2005, UMW Chorale won the Silver Medal at the 28th International May Choir Competition, part of the prestigious European Grand Prix for Choral Singing series of competitions. In November of 2008, UMW Chorale was one of the most highly acclaimed choirs performing at the National Collegiate Choral Organization's bi-annual conference. UMW Chorale has released numerous recordings, including a 2010 release with the professional choir, Seraphic Fire, of Monteverdi's 1610 Vespers that topped the iTunes charts and debuted to critical acclaim.
UMW Chorale explores a wide range of repertoire and performs difficult and exciting pieces from all eras. Through UMW Chorale, students experience a professional-level, high-quality rehearsal and performance process. |
