The Westminister Choir
Actor
About The Westminister Choir
The Westminster Choir is a world-renowned professional collegiate choral ensemble founded in 1920 by John Finley Williamson at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio. Although primarily a musical institution, the choir made a significant and historic appearance in the 1944 propaganda documentary film 'Hymn of the Nations,' directed by Alexander Hammid and featuring the legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini. During the 1940s, the choir became a staple of the American cultural landscape, often collaborating with the NBC Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic for high-profile broadcasts and recordings. Their participation in 'Hymn of the Nations' was part of a strategic effort by the Office of War Information to showcase Allied cultural unity through the performance of Giuseppe Verdi's music. The ensemble moved to Ithaca College in 1926 and eventually settled at its permanent home in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1932, where it became the cornerstone of the Westminster Choir College. Throughout the Golden Age of Hollywood and the peak of the radio era, the choir was considered the premier vocal group for interpreting large-scale symphonic choral works under the batons of the world's greatest conductors.
The Craft
On Screen
The ensemble performed as a collective unit, utilizing formal choral staging and disciplined vocal expression to convey patriotic and artistic gravitas in cinematic appearances.
Milestones
- Featured performance in the Academy Award-nominated documentary 'Hymn of the Nations' (1944)
- First American choir to tour Europe in 1929
- Regular collaborations with Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra during the 1930s and 40s
- Performance at the 1939 New York World's Fair
- Inaugurated the tradition of performing with the New York Philharmonic in 1939
- Conducted by legendary figures including Leonard Bernstein, Leopold Stokowski, and Igor Stravinsky
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Grand Prix du Disque
- Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance (Multiple nominations/wins for recordings)
- Induction into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short Subject (for 'Hymn of the Nations', 1944)
Special Recognition
- Designated as the 'Official Choir' of the New York Philharmonic for several decades
- Invited to perform at numerous Presidential Inaugurations
- Recognized as one of the most prestigious choral programs in the world
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
The Westminster Choir played a pivotal role in elevating choral music to a professional symphonic level in the United States. Their appearance in 'Hymn of the Nations' served as a powerful piece of cultural diplomacy during World War II, symbolizing the harmony of the Allied forces through the universal language of music. By appearing on film alongside Arturo Toscanini, they helped bridge the gap between elite classical music and the general public, making high art accessible through the medium of cinema.
Lasting Legacy
The choir's legacy is preserved in hundreds of recordings and their landmark 1944 film appearance, which remains a primary visual record of Arturo Toscanini's conducting technique. They set the standard for the 'American choral sound'—characterized by a rich, vibrant, and soloistic tone—which influenced choral pedagogy globally. The institution continues to operate today as part of Rider University, maintaining its status as a premier training ground for professional vocalists.
Who They Inspired
They influenced the way choral groups were filmed and recorded for motion pictures, emphasizing the visual synchronization of a large group as a single emotional entity.
Off Screen
As an institution, the choir's 'life' is defined by its student body and its leadership under founders John Finley Williamson and subsequent conductors like Joseph Flummerfelt. It transitioned from a church-based group to a professional training college.
Education
Westminster Choir College (Princeton, NJ)
Did You Know?
- The choir was originally formed to provide music for a single church in Ohio before becoming a national sensation.
- During the filming of 'Hymn of the Nations', the choir had to perform under intense studio lights that were notoriously hot, yet they maintained perfect composure.
- They were the first choir to ever broadcast over national radio in the United States.
- Leopold Stokowski once called the Westminster Choir 'the greatest choir in the world.'
- The film 'Hymn of the Nations' was actually filmed in 1943 but released in 1944 to coincide with the liberation of Italy.
- The choir members in the 1944 film were all students of the Westminster Choir College who volunteered for the project as part of the war effort.
In Their Own Words
The Westminster Choir is not just a group of singers; it is an instrument of the highest musical order. (Context: Often attributed to critics during their 1940s peak)
Music is a universal language that can bring nations together. (Context: Theme of the 'Hymn of the Nations' production)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was The Westminster Choir in classic cinema?
The Westminster Choir was a prestigious American choral ensemble that appeared in the 1944 film 'Hymn of the Nations' alongside conductor Arturo Toscanini. They were the primary vocal force in this historic musical documentary produced during World War II.
What films is The Westminster Choir best known for?
They are best known for the documentary short 'Hymn of the Nations' (1944). They also appeared in various filmed concert performances and musical shorts during the mid-20th century.
When was The Westminster Choir formed?
The choir was founded in 1920 in Dayton, Ohio, by John Finley Williamson. It later moved to Princeton, New Jersey, where it became a world-renowned music college.
What awards did The Westminster Choir win?
While the choir itself won numerous musical awards like the Grand Prix du Disque, the film they starred in, 'Hymn of the Nations,' received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short.
What was the significance of their role in 'Hymn of the Nations'?
Their role was to perform Verdi's 'Inno delle nazioni' as a symbol of international unity against fascism. It is considered one of the most important musical captures in early sound cinema.
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Films
1 film
