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[[File:Congresswoman Pelosi celebrates Strong Women Voices with SF Girls Chorus (25668912280).jpg|thumb|300px|Members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus in 2016]]
{{Tone|date=December 2007}}
'''San Francisco Girls Chorus''' is a regional center for music education and performance for girls and young women, ages 7–18, based in San Francisco. More than 300 singers from 160 schools in 48 [[San Francisco Bay Area]] cities and towns participate in this internationally recognized program. The Chorus has been described as "a model in the country for training girls' voices" by the [[California Arts Council]].
The '''San Francisco Girls Chorus''', established in 1978 by Elizabeth Appling, is a regional center for music education and performance for girls and young women, ages 4–18, based in [[San Francisco]]. Each year, more than 300 singers from 45 Bay Area cities participate in SFGC's programs. The organization consists of a professional-level performance, recording, and touring ensemble and a six-level Chorus School training program.


In addition to annual engagements with the [[San Francisco Opera]] and [[San Francisco Symphony]], SFGC has engaged in artistic partnerships such as the [[New York Philharmonic]]'s Biennial Festival of New Music at [[Lincoln Center]] in June 2016 in collaboration with [[The Knights (orchestra)|The Knights orchestra]]; SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras in April 2017 at the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]] in Washington, DC; and [[Carnegie Hall]] in February 2018 with the [[Philip Glass Ensemble]].<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2018/02/16/PHILIP-GLASS-ENSEMBLE--MUSIC-WITH-CHANGING-PARTS-0800PM | title= Philip Glass Ensemble: Music with Changing Parts | publisher=Carnegie Hall | date=16 February 2018 |accessdate=28 August 2023}}</ref>
SFGC was founded by Elizabeth Appling, who served as the organization's Artistic Director until her retirement in 1992. She was succeeded by Sharon J. Paul, who led the chorus until just after its 21st Anniversary in 2000. The chorus underwent an interim year under the leadership of Magen Solomon, after which the helm was passed on to Susan McMane. The current artistic director is Lisa Bielawa, who is well known for her broadcasts in Berlin at former [[Berlin Tempelhof Airport#Post-airport usage|Tempelhof Airport]] (Spring 2013), and at Crissy Field in San Francisco (Fall 2013). Bielawa currently resides in New York.


The 2018–2019 Season marked SFGC's first year under the leadership of Artistic Director Valérie Sainte-Agathe.<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.sfcv.org/articles/artist-spotlight/listening-moment-valerie-sainte-agathe-leads-sf-girls-chorus-through | title= Listening to the Moment: Valérie Sainte-Agathe Leads the SF Girls Chorus Through Unusual Times |author=Lisa Houston | publisher=SF Classical Voice | date=29 June 2020 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref> (Sainte-Agathe had been appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor in 2013.)<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.sfgate.com/music/article/valerie-sainte-agathe-mentor-leads-girls-chorus-4699028.php | title= Valerie Sainte-Agathe: Mentor leads Girls Chorus |author=Jesse Hamlin | publisher=SFGate | date=31 July 2013 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref> Previous Artistic Directors were Elizabeth Appling (1978–1992), Sharon J. Paul (1992–2000), Magen Solomon (2000, interim), Susan McMane (2001–2012), Brandon Brack (2012, interim), and SFGC alumna [[Lisa Bielawa]] (2013–2018).
In 2011, The San Francisco Girls Chrorus collaborated with composer Tania Leon and award-winning poet and writer [[Carlos Pintado]] on “Rimas Tropicales”, based on Carlos Pintado’s poetry.


==Premier Ensemble==
⚫
==The Chorus School==
The Chorus School of SFGC comprises four training stages that are specifically designed to increase technical skills, stamina and discipline in accordance with the chorister's age and physical development. The Chorus School has been supervised since its inception by Elizabeth Avakian, who also directs Level IV.


The Premier Ensemble is the concert, recording, and touring ensemble of the San Francisco Girls Chorus, and is conducted by Artistic Director Valérie Sainte-Agathe.
*'''Level I''' provides the foundation for the singers' training in the Chorus School. Singers learn the basics of [[music theory]] and how to sing together as a group.
*'''Level II''' requires singers delve into slightly more challenging theory and music. Girls may begin to learn basic [[choreography]] to accompany some of their pieces. This chorus generally sings two-part music, occasionally three.
*'''Level III''' singers continue to learn music and theory at an increased difficulty. The concept of adjusting the voice for blending with the voices around it becomes more prominent. This chorus generally sings three-part music, occasionally four.
*'''Level IV''' In the final level of the Chorus School, singers continue their study of theory and generally sing in four parts, sometimes more. Level IV has a strenuous Christmas performance season and then go on to sing many more [[concerts]] than the previous three levels throughout the rest of the school year. Singers may also be selected from Level IV to appear in performances with the [[San Francisco Opera]] and [[San Francisco Symphony]]. In 2008 the girls were proud to sing in three operas: Boris Godunov, La Bohème, and Die Tote Stadt. In 2011 they participated in the two operas: [[Turandot]] and [[Carmen]]. A few other girls participated in [[Mahler's 3rd Symphony]], conducted by [[Michael Tilson Thomas]]. Because it is the last level of the chorus school, Level IV girls have more expected from them.


The Premier Ensemble performed at the inauguration of [[President Barack Obama]] in January 2009. They sang a total of 20 minutes, as a prelude to the ceremony.<ref>{{citation |url=https://abc7news.com/archive/6616060/ | title= SF chorus performs at inauguration | publisher=abc7news.com | date=21 January 2009 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref>
The Level IV Ensemble is a smaller, select group of girls within Level IV. Girls who wish to join must audition during the Chorus' Summer Music camp. The Ensemble has occasional extra practices, as well as many extra performances. They are asked to perform when the venues are too small to accommodate the entire Level IV. Most of their performances are around Christmas and in the Spring. They sometimes memorize extra verses to songs the rest of the chorus learns.


Before the opening of [[Cuba]] to U.S. citizens to visit, the Premier Ensemble toured there in July 2011, visiting [[Havana]], [[Santa Clara, Cuba|Santa Clara]], and [[Matanzas]] on an international tour.<ref>{{citation |url=https://abc7news.com/archive/8226577/ | title= SF Girls Chorus heads to Cuba for concert series | publisher=abc7news.com | date=1 July 2011 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref>
At the end of the season, Level IV choristers must pass a theory-based qualifying exam before being considered for [[graduation]] from the Chorus School. Once graduated, choristers may either choose to audition for Chorissima, return to level IV, or leave the Chorus.


They sang at the [[New York Philharmonic]]'s NY Phil Biennial in 2016.<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/NY-Phil-and-Director-Alan-Gilbert-Announce-2016-Biennial-Featuring-Grammy-Winning-San-Francisco-Girls-Chorus-and-More-20151022 | title= NY Phil and Director Alan Gilbert Announce 2016 Biennial, Featuring Grammy-Winning San Francisco Girls Chorus and More! |author=Christina Mancuso | publisher=Broadway World | date=22 October 2015 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref> They were the only group from outside New York invited to perform there.
More detail about the curriculum can be found here: [http://sfgirlschorus.org/school/curriculum.html SFGC: Curriculum]


In 2017, they sang with The Knights at the SHIFT Festival, at the Kennedy Center.<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/shift-festival-illustrates-a-clutch-shortfall-in-todays-symphony-culture/2017/04/02/7af49d1a-17b0-11e7-8598-9a99da559f9e_story.html | title= Shift festival illustrates a clutch shortfall in today's symphony culture |author=Robert Battey | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=2 April 2017 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref>
==Chorissima and the Alumnae Chorus==


The SFGC's activities in 2019 included premiering a new work by [[Fred Frith]].<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.sfcv.org/articles/artist-spotlight/fred-frith-premieres-new-work-sf-girls-chorus |title= Fred Frith Premieres New Work for S.F. Girls Chorus |author=Jeff Kaliss | publisher=SF Classical Voice | date=21 February 2019 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref> In 2020, as the pandemic shut down live performances, the SFGC streamed a virtual festival that included collaborations with the Berkeley Ballet Theater and the [[Philip Glass Ensemble]].<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.sfcv.org/articles/music-news/sf-girls-chorus-responds-covid-19-virtual-festival |title= SF Girls Chorus Responds to COVID-19 With a Virtual Festival |author=Janos Gereben | publisher=SF Classical Voice | date=8 June 2020 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref> Also in 2020, the Chorus won two SFCV Audience Choice Awards and collaborated in an online production of Vivaldi’s ''Juditha Triumphans''. The SFGC was featured on the soundtrack to the [[Netflix]] documentary ''[[Athlete A]]'', about the abuse of gymnasts by Dr. [[Larry Nassar]].<ref name="athlete" />
===Chorissima===
Chorissima is the concert, recording, and touring ensemble of the San Francisco Girls Chorus, and is conducted by Artistic Director Valerie Sante-Agaite. The dedicated young artists of the ensemble, ages 11–18, present a season concert series in the San Francisco Bay Area, tour nationally and internationally, and appear regularly with renowned artistic partners, including the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Symphony. Chorissima has also performed with numerous esteemed Bay Area ensembles such as Chanticleer, Kronos Quartet, [[Berkeley Symphony]], ODC/Dance, San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, and others.


In 2022 the SFGC performed the choral premiere of ''Kamala's Hope'', a work based on the Vice Presidential acceptance speeches of [[Kamala Harris]],<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/10/18/kamala-harris-speeches-inspire-a-hopeful-new-musical-work/ | title= Kamala Harris Speeches Inspire a Hopeful New Musical Work |author=Georgia Rowe | publisher=Mercury News | date=18 October 2022 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref> and in June 2023 the SFGC's Premier Ensemble performed the pandemic-delayed debut of the choral-opera ''Tomorrow’s Memories: A Little Manila Diary'', which it had commissioned from composer Matthew Welch, based on the diaries of Filipina immigrant Angeles Monrayo.<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.sfcv.org/articles/music-news/sf-girls-chorus-persists-little-manila-diary |title= SF Girls Chorus Persists With A Little Manila Diary |author=Janos Gereben | publisher=SF Classical Voice | date=30 May 2023 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref>
Chorissima has undertaken ten international tours, one of which was in July 2007 when the ensemble represented the United States in the World Vision Children's Choir Festival in Seoul, South Korea, and in the Gateway to Music Festival at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. In August 2005, Chorissima was invited to perform at the prestigious 7th World Symposium on Choral Music in Kyoto and also at the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan.


Also in 2023, members of the SFGC performed in the world premiere of ''Prospero's Island'', an opera based on Shakespeare's ''The Tempest'',<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.sfcv.org/articles/preview/prosperos-island-translates-shakespeare-21st-century-opera | title= Prospero's Island Translates Shakespeare Into 21st-Century Opera |author=Lisa Houston | publisher=SF Classical Voice | date=18 March 2023 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref> and in the West Coast premiere of the family-friendly opera ''The Three Feathers''.<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-francisco/article/Solo-Opera-to-Present-The-West-Coast-Premiere-of-THE-THREE-FEATHERS-in-September-20230611 | title= Solo Opera to Present The West Coast Premiere of THE THREE FEATHERS in September |author=Blair Ingenthron | publisher=Broadway World | date=11 June 2023 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref>
Chorissima performed at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in January 2009. They sang a total of 20 minutes, as a prelude to the ceremony.


⚫
==The Chorus School==
Before Cuba was recently opened to US citizens to visit, Chorissima toured there in July 2011, visiting Havana, Santa Clara, and Matanzas on an international tour.


SFGC's Chorus School, founded by Elizabeth Avakian, is made up of six levels: non-auditioned Prep Chorus, Training Chorus, and Levels I-IV, which choristers move through as they develop musically. Choristers spend one, two or three years in each level.
Most recently, they sang in the New York Biennial in 2016. They were the only group from outside NY invited to perform there.


''Composer-in-Residence:'' Each season, the Chorus School has a Composer-In-Residence. This composer works with singers throughout the year to create a new composition performed by these singers each spring. This program provides the opportunity for singers to collaborate with working composers, to be immersed in contemporary techniques, and to perform world premieres each season. Composers-in-residence have included: Danny Clay, Lisa Mezzacappa, [[Angélica Negrón]], [[Pamela Z]],<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.sfcv.org/articles/music-news/sf-girls-chorus-just-wanna-sing-sing-sing | title= S.F. Girls Chorus Just Wanna Sing Sing Sing |author=Janos Gereben | publisher=SF Classical Voice | date=4 August 2017 |accessdate=20 October 2023}}</ref> [[Sahba Aminikia]], and [[Gabriela Lena Frank]].<ref name="singsing">{{citation |url=https://www.sfcv.org/articles/review/santos-powers-she | title= Santos: The Powers That She |author=Niels Swinkels | publisher=SF Classical Voice | date=7 May 2013 |accessdate=20 October 2023}}</ref>
⚫
The San Francisco Girls Chorus has produced six solo CD recordings including: Voices of Hope and Peace that includes "Anne Frank: A Living Voice" by an American composer Linda Tutas Haugen; Christmas, a selection of diverse holiday songs; Crossroads, a collection of world folk music; and Music From the Venetian Ospedali, a disc of Italian Baroque music, for which The New Yorker proclaimed the Chorus "tremendously accomplished."


''Voice Instruction:'' Working vocal artists are on staff to help guide the vocal development of singers of all levels. Singers in Levels I through IV work toward and perform in a voice recital each spring under the direction of professional voice teachers. Each singer is treated as a soloist as well as a member of an ensemble.
Chorissima's most recent solo CD recording is named Heaven and Earth, using recordings from 2008-09. This CD is their first double-disc release.


''Music Theory Program:'' Singers in Levels I through IV receive weekly music theory and musicianship training. Music literacy is a core component of the SFGC curriculum and each Level has prescribed literacy goals. When singers graduate from the Chorus School, they are required to pass an examination that leaves them prepared for AP Music Theory.
⚫
The ensemble can also be heard on several recordings with the San Francisco Symphony, including three GRAMMY award-winning CDs Orff: Carmina Burana (1992); Stravinsky: The Firebird, The Rite of Spring, Persephone (1999); Mahler: Symphony No. 8 (2008); and Mahler: Symphony No. 3 and Kindertotenlieder (2004). Chorissima has appeared in two feature films, The Talented Mr. Ripley (2000) and What Dreams May Come (1998).


''Special Projects:'' Chorus School singers often participate in special projects, including operas, symphonies, and recording sessions, with Bay Area artistic partners. These special projects aim to help musicians develop stage presence, flexibility, and acting skills. In the past, singers have performed with the [[San Francisco Opera]], Opera Parallèle,<ref name="singsing" /> the Berkeley Symphony, the [[San Francisco Conservatory of Music|San Francisco Conservatory]], Ninth Planet Productions, Solo Opera, [[San Francisco Ballet]], and others.
Chorissima is professionally represented by California Artists Management.


==Recordings==
===Alumnae Chorus===


⚫
The Premier Ensemble has recorded and released nine solo CD recordings including: ''Voices of Hope and Peace,'' which includes "Anne Frank: A Living Voice" by American composer Linda Tutas Haugen; ''Christmas,'' a selection of diverse holiday songs; ''Crossroads,'' a collection of world folk music; ''Music From the Venetian Ospedali,'' a disc of Italian Baroque music, for which The New Yorker proclaimed the Chorus "tremendously accomplished;" and their first double-disc release, ''Heaven and Earth,'' using recordings from 2008–09. The Premier Ensemble's February 2018 solo CD recording, ''Final Answer'', was released on Philip Glass's Orange Mountain Music label and features works by composers [[Philip Glass]], [[Lisa Bielawa]], [[Gabriel Kahane]], [[John Zorn]], [[Carla Kihlstedt]], [[Aleksandra Vrebalov]], [[Sahba Aminikia]], [[Matthew Welch]] and [[Theo Bleckmann]].<ref>{{Discogs release|13392890|Final Answer|type=album}}</ref>
The newly formed San Francisco Girls Chorus Alumnae Chorus, directed by the Artistic Director, took the stage for the first time in concert Sunday, December 2, 2007 at St. John's Presbyterian Church, San Francisco. This ensemble is composed of women from mid-teens to mid-thirties, all of whom are graduates of the San Francisco Girls Chorus School. Some are lauretes of the San Francisco Girls Chorus (Chorissima). The Alumnae Chorus has two scheduled performances per season. The Alumnae Chorus is featured on the newest CD release Heaven and Earth (2009).


Their most recent album, ''My Outstretched Hand'', released in 2019 by Supertrain Records, features the world premiere of Colin Jacobsen's three-movement (although only two appear on the album) piece ''If I Were Not Me'' as well as Lisa Bielawa's ''My Outstretched Hand'', previously performed at the Kennedy Center, and the two-movement ''Remembering the Sea'' by [[Aaron Jay Kernis]]. Also in 2019 they appeared on the recording of ''Vireo: The Spiritual Biography of a Witch's Accuser'', an opera by [[Lisa Bielawa]].
⚫
==Summer Music Camp==
Chorus camp is for Levels II, III, IV and Chorissima. (Level II attendance is not mandatory.)


⚫
The Premier Ensemble can also be heard on several recordings with the San Francisco Symphony, including five GRAMMY award-winning CDs. These are ''Orff: Carmina Burana'' (1992); ''Stravinsky: The Firebird, The Rite of Spring, Persephone'' (1999); ''Mahler: Symphony No. 8'' (2008); and ''Mahler: Symphony No. 3 and Kindertotenlieder'' (2004). The Premier Ensemble has appeared in two feature films and one Netflix documentary, ''The Talented Mr. Ripley'' (2000), ''What Dreams May Come'' (1998), and ''Athlete A'' (2020).<ref name="athlete">{{citation |url=https://www.sfcv.org/articles/music-news/jeff-beals-score-athlete-features-sf-girls-chorus |title= Jeff Beal's Score for Athlete A Features the SF Girls Chorus |author=Paul Kotapish | publisher=SF Classical Voice | date=8 December 2020 |accessdate=24 August 2023}}</ref>
It is held at Rio Lindo Adventist Academy in Healdsburg, California.


==Commissions==
⚫
The girls prepare their music for the regular season, have classes in Music Theory, Sightsinging, and Dance. They also participate in fun activities such as the Counselor Hunt, Big sister/Little sister Night and the Square Dance.

The Chorus encourages creation of new music for treble voices by partnering with composers to commission and premiere new works. [[Richard Danielpour]],<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.kalw.org/show/on-the-arts/2023-03-13/sf-symphony-central-works-pocket-opera-sf-girls-chorus-chanticleer | title= SF Symphony – Central Works – Pocket Opera – SF Girls Chorus & Chanticleer |author=Janice Lee | publisher=KALW Public Media | date=13 March 2023 |accessdate=20 October 2023}}</ref> [[Aaron Jay Kernis]],<ref>{{citation |url=https://nyphil.org/~/media/pdfs/newsroom/1516/biennial/ny-phil-biennial-knights-choruses-final.pdf | title= NYPhil Biennial | publisher=nyphil.org | date=23 May 2016 |accessdate=20 October 2023}}</ref> [[Gabriela Lena Frank]], [[Philip Glass]], [[Augusta Read Thomas]], [[Libby Larsen]], [[Jake Heggie]],<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.noevalleyvoice.com/1999/May/chorus.html | title= S.F. Girls Chorus Weaves 'Patterns' by Castro Street Composer |author=Jeff Kaliss | publisher=Noe Valley Voice | date=1 May 1999 |accessdate=20 October 2023}}</ref> [[Chen Yi (composer)|Chen Yi]], and other composers have created and arranged works specifically for the Chorus.

==Kanbar Center==

The [[Kanbar Performing Arts Center]], opened in 2005, at 44 Page Street in San Francisco, is the home of the San Francisco Girls Chorus.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kanbar Center |url=https://www.sfgirlschorus.org/kanbar-center |website=San Francisco Girls Chorus |access-date=14 September 2022}}</ref>

⚫
==Summer Music Camp==

⚫
Each summer, SFGC holds a week-long chorus camp for choristers in its Levels II, III, IV ensembles and the Premier Ensemble at the Rio Lindo Adventist Academy in Healdsburg, California. During this camp, the young women prepare their music for the regular season and have classes in music theory, sightsinging, and dance. They also participate in fun activities such as the Counselor Hunt, Big Sister/Little Sister Night and the Square Dance.


==Discography==
==Discography==
⚫
*''Heaven and Earth (2009) ''
⚫
*''Voices of Hope and Peace (2006)''
⚫
*''Christmas (2003)''
⚫
*''Crossroads (2000)''
⚫
*''Music from the Venetian Ospedali (1998)''
⚫
*''I Never Saw Another Butterfly; Songs of the Twentieth Century (1996)''
⚫
*''A San Francisco Christmas (1996)''


* ''My Outstretched Hand'' (2019)
SFGC Music [http://www.sfgirlschorus.org/music]
* ''Vireo: The Spiritual Biography of a Witch's Accuser'' (2019)
* ''Final Answer'' (2018)
⚫
* ''Heaven and Earth'' (2009)
⚫
* ''Voices of Hope and Peace'' (2006)
⚫
* ''Christmas'' (2003)
⚫
* ''Crossroads'' (2000)
⚫
* ''Music from the Venetian Ospedali'' (1998)
⚫
* ''I Never Saw Another Butterfly; Songs of the Twentieth Century'' (1996)
⚫
* ''A San Francisco Christmas'' (1996)


==Awards and honors==
==Awards and honors==

*The San Francisco Girls Chorus were invited to perform along with the San Francisco Boys Chorus in Washington D.C. on Jan. 20, 2009 as part of the historic swearing-in ceremonies of President Barack Obama. They are the only children's choruses to receive this honor.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benson|first=Heidi |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/17/MN5L159LLV.DTL |title=S.F. boys, girls choruses go to Washington |accessdate=2009-02-23 |publisher=''The San Francisco Chronicle'' |date=2009-01-17 }}</ref>
* The San Francisco Girls Chorus's Premier Ensemble was invited to perform along with the San Francisco Boys Chorus in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2009, as part of the historic swearing-in ceremonies of President Barack Obama. SFGC and SFBC were the only children's choruses to receive this honor.<ref>{{cite news |last=Benson|first=Heidi |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/17/MN5L159LLV.DTL |title=S.F. boys, girls choruses go to Washington |accessdate=2009-02-23 |newspaper=The San Francisco Chronicle |date=2009-01-17 }}</ref>
*One of only eleven San Francisco arts organizations and the only choral organization, as well as the first youth chorus, to be awarded a Wallace Foundation Excellence Award (2007).
* Has appeared on five GRAMMY-winning albums
*First youth chorus to win the '''Margaret Hillis Achievement Award for Choral Excellence''' presented by Chorus America (2002).
* Has received four ASCAP/Chorus America Awards for Adventurous Programming<ref>{{cite web |url=https://chorusamerica.org/awards/chorus-americaascap-award-adventurous-programming |title= Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming |accessdate=2023-08-28 |website=Chorus America }}</ref>
*Winner of '''2 ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music''' which recognized the Chorus' 20th and 25th Anniversary programming (2000 and 2004), featuring commissions by composers Lisa Bielawa, Jake Heggie, Chen Yi, Linda Tutas Haugen, Alice Parker and Libby Larsen.
* In 2000 became the first youth chorus to receive the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://chorusamerica.org/awards/margaret-hillis-award-choral-excellence |title= Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence |accessdate=2023-08-28 |website=Chorus America }}</ref>
*Wayne Brown, Director of Music, [[National Endowment for the Arts]], presented the Chorus with a '''Chorus America Award''' recognizing the Girls Chorus' artistic excellence for its performance on San Francisco Symphony's [[Grammy Award]]-winning recording, ''Stravinsky'' (2000).
*Three Grammy Awards, received for collaborations with the San Francisco Symphony on: ''[[Carl Orff|Orff]]: [[Carmina Burana (Orff)|Carmina Burana]]'' (1992), ''[[Igor Stravinsky|Stravinsky]]: [[The Firebird]], [[The Rite of Spring]], Persephone'' (1999), and ''[[Gustav Mahler|Mahler]]: Symphony No. 3 and [[Kindertotenlieder]]'' (2004).
*Awarded '''Selected Performer at the 7th World Symposium on Choral Music''', [[Kyoto]], Japan (August 2005).


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{authority control}}
==External links==
*[http://www.sfgirlschorus.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/sfgc/ Official Myspace]


[[Category:Choirs of children]]
[[Category:Choirs of children]]
[[Category:Organizations based in San Francisco, California]]
[[Category:Organizations based in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Choirs in the San Francisco Bay Area]]
[[Category:Choirs in the San Francisco Bay Area]]
[[Category:Musical groups from San Francisco, California]]
[[Category:Musical groups from San Francisco]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1979]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1979]]
[[Category:1979 establishments in California]]
[[Category:1979 establishments in California]]
[[Category:History of women in California]]
[[Category:Women in San Francisco]]

Latest revision as of 12:12, 21 December 2024

Members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus in 2016

The San Francisco Girls Chorus, established in 1978 by Elizabeth Appling, is a regional center for music education and performance for girls and young women, ages 4–18, based in San Francisco. Each year, more than 300 singers from 45 Bay Area cities participate in SFGC's programs. The organization consists of a professional-level performance, recording, and touring ensemble and a six-level Chorus School training program.

In addition to annual engagements with the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Symphony, SFGC has engaged in artistic partnerships such as the New York Philharmonic's Biennial Festival of New Music at Lincoln Center in June 2016 in collaboration with The Knights orchestra; SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras in April 2017 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC; and Carnegie Hall in February 2018 with the Philip Glass Ensemble.[1]

The 2018–2019 Season marked SFGC's first year under the leadership of Artistic Director Valérie Sainte-Agathe.[2] (Sainte-Agathe had been appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor in 2013.)[3] Previous Artistic Directors were Elizabeth Appling (1978–1992), Sharon J. Paul (1992–2000), Magen Solomon (2000, interim), Susan McMane (2001–2012), Brandon Brack (2012, interim), and SFGC alumna Lisa Bielawa (2013–2018).

Premier Ensemble

[edit]

The Premier Ensemble is the concert, recording, and touring ensemble of the San Francisco Girls Chorus, and is conducted by Artistic Director Valérie Sainte-Agathe.

The Premier Ensemble performed at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in January 2009. They sang a total of 20 minutes, as a prelude to the ceremony.[4]

Before the opening of Cuba to U.S. citizens to visit, the Premier Ensemble toured there in July 2011, visiting Havana, Santa Clara, and Matanzas on an international tour.[5]

They sang at the New York Philharmonic's NY Phil Biennial in 2016.[6] They were the only group from outside New York invited to perform there.

In 2017, they sang with The Knights at the SHIFT Festival, at the Kennedy Center.[7]

The SFGC's activities in 2019 included premiering a new work by Fred Frith.[8] In 2020, as the pandemic shut down live performances, the SFGC streamed a virtual festival that included collaborations with the Berkeley Ballet Theater and the Philip Glass Ensemble.[9] Also in 2020, the Chorus won two SFCV Audience Choice Awards and collaborated in an online production of Vivaldi’s Juditha Triumphans. The SFGC was featured on the soundtrack to the Netflix documentary Athlete A, about the abuse of gymnasts by Dr. Larry Nassar.[10]

In 2022 the SFGC performed the choral premiere of Kamala's Hope, a work based on the Vice Presidential acceptance speeches of Kamala Harris,[11] and in June 2023 the SFGC's Premier Ensemble performed the pandemic-delayed debut of the choral-opera Tomorrow’s Memories: A Little Manila Diary, which it had commissioned from composer Matthew Welch, based on the diaries of Filipina immigrant Angeles Monrayo.[12]

Also in 2023, members of the SFGC performed in the world premiere of Prospero's Island, an opera based on Shakespeare's The Tempest,[13] and in the West Coast premiere of the family-friendly opera The Three Feathers.[14]

The Chorus School

[edit]

SFGC's Chorus School, founded by Elizabeth Avakian, is made up of six levels: non-auditioned Prep Chorus, Training Chorus, and Levels I-IV, which choristers move through as they develop musically. Choristers spend one, two or three years in each level.

Composer-in-Residence: Each season, the Chorus School has a Composer-In-Residence. This composer works with singers throughout the year to create a new composition performed by these singers each spring. This program provides the opportunity for singers to collaborate with working composers, to be immersed in contemporary techniques, and to perform world premieres each season. Composers-in-residence have included: Danny Clay, Lisa Mezzacappa, Angélica Negrón, Pamela Z,[15] Sahba Aminikia, and Gabriela Lena Frank.[16]

Voice Instruction: Working vocal artists are on staff to help guide the vocal development of singers of all levels. Singers in Levels I through IV work toward and perform in a voice recital each spring under the direction of professional voice teachers. Each singer is treated as a soloist as well as a member of an ensemble.

Music Theory Program: Singers in Levels I through IV receive weekly music theory and musicianship training. Music literacy is a core component of the SFGC curriculum and each Level has prescribed literacy goals. When singers graduate from the Chorus School, they are required to pass an examination that leaves them prepared for AP Music Theory.

Special Projects: Chorus School singers often participate in special projects, including operas, symphonies, and recording sessions, with Bay Area artistic partners. These special projects aim to help musicians develop stage presence, flexibility, and acting skills. In the past, singers have performed with the San Francisco Opera, Opera Parallèle,[16] the Berkeley Symphony, the San Francisco Conservatory, Ninth Planet Productions, Solo Opera, San Francisco Ballet, and others.

Recordings

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The Premier Ensemble has recorded and released nine solo CD recordings including: Voices of Hope and Peace, which includes "Anne Frank: A Living Voice" by American composer Linda Tutas Haugen; Christmas, a selection of diverse holiday songs; Crossroads, a collection of world folk music; Music From the Venetian Ospedali, a disc of Italian Baroque music, for which The New Yorker proclaimed the Chorus "tremendously accomplished;" and their first double-disc release, Heaven and Earth, using recordings from 2008–09. The Premier Ensemble's February 2018 solo CD recording, Final Answer, was released on Philip Glass's Orange Mountain Music label and features works by composers Philip Glass, Lisa Bielawa, Gabriel Kahane, John Zorn, Carla Kihlstedt, Aleksandra Vrebalov, Sahba Aminikia, Matthew Welch and Theo Bleckmann.[17]

Their most recent album, My Outstretched Hand, released in 2019 by Supertrain Records, features the world premiere of Colin Jacobsen's three-movement (although only two appear on the album) piece If I Were Not Me as well as Lisa Bielawa's My Outstretched Hand, previously performed at the Kennedy Center, and the two-movement Remembering the Sea by Aaron Jay Kernis. Also in 2019 they appeared on the recording of Vireo: The Spiritual Biography of a Witch's Accuser, an opera by Lisa Bielawa.

The Premier Ensemble can also be heard on several recordings with the San Francisco Symphony, including five GRAMMY award-winning CDs. These are Orff: Carmina Burana (1992); Stravinsky: The Firebird, The Rite of Spring, Persephone (1999); Mahler: Symphony No. 8 (2008); and Mahler: Symphony No. 3 and Kindertotenlieder (2004). The Premier Ensemble has appeared in two feature films and one Netflix documentary, The Talented Mr. Ripley (2000), What Dreams May Come (1998), and Athlete A (2020).[10]

Commissions

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The Chorus encourages creation of new music for treble voices by partnering with composers to commission and premiere new works. Richard Danielpour,[18] Aaron Jay Kernis,[19] Gabriela Lena Frank, Philip Glass, Augusta Read Thomas, Libby Larsen, Jake Heggie,[20] Chen Yi, and other composers have created and arranged works specifically for the Chorus.

Kanbar Center

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The Kanbar Performing Arts Center, opened in 2005, at 44 Page Street in San Francisco, is the home of the San Francisco Girls Chorus.[21]

Summer Music Camp

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Each summer, SFGC holds a week-long chorus camp for choristers in its Levels II, III, IV ensembles and the Premier Ensemble at the Rio Lindo Adventist Academy in Healdsburg, California. During this camp, the young women prepare their music for the regular season and have classes in music theory, sightsinging, and dance. They also participate in fun activities such as the Counselor Hunt, Big Sister/Little Sister Night and the Square Dance.

Discography

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  • My Outstretched Hand (2019)
  • Vireo: The Spiritual Biography of a Witch's Accuser (2019)
  • Final Answer (2018)
  • Heaven and Earth (2009)
  • Voices of Hope and Peace (2006)
  • Christmas (2003)
  • Crossroads (2000)
  • Music from the Venetian Ospedali (1998)
  • I Never Saw Another Butterfly; Songs of the Twentieth Century (1996)
  • A San Francisco Christmas (1996)

Awards and honors

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  • The San Francisco Girls Chorus's Premier Ensemble was invited to perform along with the San Francisco Boys Chorus in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2009, as part of the historic swearing-in ceremonies of President Barack Obama. SFGC and SFBC were the only children's choruses to receive this honor.[22]
  • Has appeared on five GRAMMY-winning albums
  • Has received four ASCAP/Chorus America Awards for Adventurous Programming[23]
  • In 2000 became the first youth chorus to receive the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America.[24]

References

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  1. ^ Philip Glass Ensemble: Music with Changing Parts, Carnegie Hall, 16 February 2018, retrieved 28 August 2023
  2. ^ Lisa Houston (29 June 2020), Listening to the Moment: Valérie Sainte-Agathe Leads the SF Girls Chorus Through Unusual Times, SF Classical Voice, retrieved 24 August 2023
  3. ^ Jesse Hamlin (31 July 2013), Valerie Sainte-Agathe: Mentor leads Girls Chorus, SFGate, retrieved 24 August 2023
  4. ^ SF chorus performs at inauguration, abc7news.com, 21 January 2009, retrieved 24 August 2023
  5. ^ SF Girls Chorus heads to Cuba for concert series, abc7news.com, 1 July 2011, retrieved 24 August 2023
  6. ^ Christina Mancuso (22 October 2015), NY Phil and Director Alan Gilbert Announce 2016 Biennial, Featuring Grammy-Winning San Francisco Girls Chorus and More!, Broadway World, retrieved 24 August 2023
  7. ^ Robert Battey (2 April 2017), "Shift festival illustrates a clutch shortfall in today's symphony culture", The Washington Post, retrieved 24 August 2023
  8. ^ Jeff Kaliss (21 February 2019), Fred Frith Premieres New Work for S.F. Girls Chorus, SF Classical Voice, retrieved 24 August 2023
  9. ^ Janos Gereben (8 June 2020), SF Girls Chorus Responds to COVID-19 With a Virtual Festival, SF Classical Voice, retrieved 24 August 2023
  10. ^ a b Paul Kotapish (8 December 2020), Jeff Beal's Score for Athlete A Features the SF Girls Chorus, SF Classical Voice, retrieved 24 August 2023
  11. ^ Georgia Rowe (18 October 2022), Kamala Harris Speeches Inspire a Hopeful New Musical Work, Mercury News, retrieved 24 August 2023
  12. ^ Janos Gereben (30 May 2023), SF Girls Chorus Persists With A Little Manila Diary, SF Classical Voice, retrieved 24 August 2023
  13. ^ Lisa Houston (18 March 2023), Prospero's Island Translates Shakespeare Into 21st-Century Opera, SF Classical Voice, retrieved 24 August 2023
  14. ^ Blair Ingenthron (11 June 2023), Solo Opera to Present The West Coast Premiere of THE THREE FEATHERS in September, Broadway World, retrieved 24 August 2023
  15. ^ Janos Gereben (4 August 2017), S.F. Girls Chorus Just Wanna Sing Sing Sing, SF Classical Voice, retrieved 20 October 2023
  16. ^ a b Niels Swinkels (7 May 2013), Santos: The Powers That She, SF Classical Voice, retrieved 20 October 2023
  17. ^ Final Answer at Discogs
  18. ^ Janice Lee (13 March 2023), SF Symphony – Central Works – Pocket Opera – SF Girls Chorus & Chanticleer, KALW Public Media, retrieved 20 October 2023
  19. ^ NYPhil Biennial (PDF), nyphil.org, 23 May 2016, retrieved 20 October 2023
  20. ^ Jeff Kaliss (1 May 1999), S.F. Girls Chorus Weaves 'Patterns' by Castro Street Composer, Noe Valley Voice, retrieved 20 October 2023
  21. ^ "Kanbar Center". San Francisco Girls Chorus. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  22. ^ Benson, Heidi (2009-01-17). "S.F. boys, girls choruses go to Washington". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2009-02-23.
  23. ^ "Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming". Chorus America. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
  24. ^ "Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence". Chorus America. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
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