2015 American Prize Awarded to Houston Chamber Choir

Confirming its role as one of the country's leading ensembles, Houston Chamber Choir wins The American Prize in Choral Performance, 2015. In addition, the choir's Founder and Artistic Director, Robert Simpson, receives the Prize in the Choral Conducting category. The award celebrates American excellence in the arts.

"We take great pride in this honor," says Robert Simpson. This triumphant news comes during a milestone year for the choir, its 20th anniversary. Prior winners of the award include Houston Chamber Choir alum and composer, Dominick DiOrio, 2014 winner of the Composition category. The American Prize is a series of new, non-profit, national competitions in the performing arts providing cash awards, professional adjudication and regional, national and international recognition for the best performances by ensembles and individuals each year in the United States. The American Prize was founded in 2009 and is awarded annually.

The Houston Chamber Choir is composed of 27 professional singers who come out the best conservatories and music schools in this country and abroad. "I am thrilled and honored to be part of an organization that has over the past 20 years enhanced the cultural landscape of the city of Houston and is now being recognized as a national leader in the field of choral music," says Lorenzo Martinez, Executive Director of Houston Chamber Choir. "I congratulate the choir and Bob Simpson for their artistic excellence."

The 20th anniversary season continues with two more concerts, Mexicantos, exploring five centuries of Mexican choral music and Just Gettin' Started, featuring a performance and commission for vocal ensemble by four-time Grammy winner Christian McBride and his jazz trio. TICKETS: Purchase tickets online at www.HoustonChamberChoir.org or call (713) 224-5566.