The Robert Shaw Festival Singers is one the fine choral ensembles founded and conducted by the legendary American choral conductor, Robert Shaw (1916-1999), who attained fame as the conductor of the Robert Shaw Chorale. After stepping down as conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (retaining close ties with the ASO as its Emeritus Conductor), Shaw founded the Robert Shaw Choral Institute, his long-cherished dream; based in Columbus, Ohio, the Institute began a series of summer Festivals in the south of France and in Greenville, South Carolina, in which Shaw concentrated on choral works without orchestra--his first such opportunity since since disbanding the Chorale. The Robert Shaw Festival Singers is a fluxuating group composed of the participants in each year's festival. Comprising singers, conductors, teachers, and other professionals, the group has often attained results to be envied by more permanent and seasoned ensembles.