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The group, originally known as the Houston Chorale or Houston Symphony Chorale, was founded in 1946 by Alfred Urbach, then principal cellist of the Houston Symphony. The Chorale made its debut with the Houston Symphony Orchestra in 1949 with a performance of L.v. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. This inaugurated what was to be a lasting relationship, one that has produced hundreds of memorable performances of the great choral masterworks led by some of the world's leading conductors. Virginia Babikian had been was assistant conductor and vocal coach.of the Houston Symphony Chorale for 8 years (1969-1977), before becoming its director for 9 years (1977-1986). In 1986, the Chorale was renamed the Houston Symphony Chorus.
The Houston Symphony Chorus (= HSC), the official choral unit of the Houston Symphony Orchestra, is led by Dr. Charles Hausmann. It is a chorus of volunteer singer-musicians who are committed to rehearsing and performing the choral-orchestral repertory at the highest level of choral artistry. In addition to presenting an annual schedule of concerts in Jones Hall with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, the Chorus has toured Europe several times and performs regularly in Mexico City with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Mineriá. |
