The Madeira Chamber Choir was founded in 1971 at the former Academy of Music and Fine Arts of Madeira by the professor of singing Rennate von Schenkendorff. During its early years, it performed in the city of Funchal, appearing periodically in choral-instrumental concerts. On 17 April 1986 the Madeira Chamber Choir Cultural Association was formed, and in 1991 it acquired the status of Institution of Public Utility. It was a pionerr in the organization of artistic exchanges between various cultural institutions, regularly taking part in choral festivals both in Portugal and abroad, as an ambassador for the Madeira Region. At present it gives concerts on its own and also in collaboration with various musicians and ensembles, performing a varied repertoire, ranging from arias and choruses from the great operas to lighter material. It regularly takes part in significant moments of the public life of Madeira, in official commemorations, by means of performances of the great choral-symphonic works by classical composers. It has also taken part in full performances of opera, operetta dna musical theatre. Since its foundation its resident artistic directors have been Rufino da Silva, Amador Cortez, José Pereira Júnior, João Victor Costa, Agostinho Bettencourt and, presently, Zélia Ferreira Gomes. The Madeira Chamber Choir is also very active in teaching and practice of choral singing for both youth and adults, of all levels of experience.
