Guide to the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Records, 1981-2009, MSS 1085

Head: Descriptive Summary
Repository: Heinz History Center
Title: Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Records
Creator: Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.
Collection Number: MSS 1085
Language: The material in this collection is in English.
Language: English , English .
Extent: 2.0 linear feet (2 boxes)
Date: 1981-2009
Abstract: The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh is the city's oldest continuously performing arts organization. The choir, which has performed around the world, regularly collaborates with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The collection contains a complete run of choir programs from 1981 to 2007, as well as correspondence, rosters, by-laws, tour agenda, and an autographed copy of the vocal score "An American Oratorio" by composer Ned Rorem.
Author: The guide to this collection was written by Carly Lough.
Publisher: Heinz History Center
Address: 1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org

History

The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, the city's oldest continuously performing arts organization, formed in 1908 as the Mendelssohn Male Choir. Under the direction of Ernest Lunt, the ensemble gave its first concert at Carnegie Music Hall on January 28, 1909. The choir first incorporated female performers at its April 30, 1915 concert, from which time it was known as the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. Lunt conducted the chorus until 1950. The chorus is currently comprised of both volunteer performers and professional "core" singers. During the tenure of Music Director Robert Page (1978-2005) the choir instituted the requirement of an annual audition and acquired international acclaim. The choir, which has performed around the world with numerous composers and orchestras, performs regularly with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall.

Scope and Content Notes

The Mendelssohn Choir Records spans the tenure of Music Director Robert Page, and the initial years of his successor, Betsy Burleigh. The bulk of the collection comprises a complete run of the choir's programs from the 1981-1982 season through the 2006-2009 season. Also included is intermittent correspondence to choir members from Page and business manager Barry Miller, as well as season calendars, rosters, and tour agenda. All bylaws and board meeting materials included in the collection date to the 1998 season. Of note is an autographed vocal score "An American Oratorio" by Ned Rorem, which was commissioned by the choir. The collection is arranged chronologically by season.

Conditions Governing Access

None

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of George and Suellen (Simons) Peters on October 27, 2015 and April 7, 2016.

Preferred Citation

Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Records, 1981-2009, MSS 1085, Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center

Processing Information

Preliminary processing by Carly Lough on December 7, 2015. 2016 additions processed by Carly Lough on 4/29/2016.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.

Related Materials

Programs for the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, 1909-1938, MFF 1268.