VOCES8

Description

The 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 tours globally performing its a cappella concerts as well as in collaborations with leading musicians, orchestras, conductors and soloists. Versatility and a celebration of diverse musical expression are central to the ensemble’s performance and education ethos which is shared both online and in person. This concert is entitled Underneath the Stars, Choral Music Celebrating Regeneration, and features works from William Byrd and Heinrich Schutz to Nat “King” Cole and Mumford & Sons.

VOCES8 has performed at many notable venues since its inception in 2005. This season they perform over 100 concerts in the UK and across Europe, in Israel and the USA – a welcome return to touring after the covid restrictions.  The group’s community spirit and innovative approach are fostered by the Co-Founders of VOCES8, brothers Paul and Barnaby Smith. Pioneering initiatives include ventures such as the LIVE From London digital festivals and the VOCES8 Digital Academy.  LIVE From London was created as a specific response to the pandemic. The VOCES8 Digital Academy is an online choral program for high schools, colleges and individuals featuring live interaction with members of the ensemble, live and recorded lectures, and video resources to learn and perform music.

The ensemble is a Decca Classics artist, and alongside that, releases projects on its own label, VOCES8 Records. The latest Decca Classics album is “The Lost Birds” featuring music by Christopher Tin which is nominated for a Grammy at the 2023 Awards. New projects with Eric Whitacre, Paul Simon and Taylor Scott Davis are being released in 2023.

VOCES8 is proud to be working with Roxanna Panufnik as the group’s Composer-in-Residence, and Jim Clements as Arranger-in-Residence. The ensemble has premiered commissions from Jonathan Dove, Roxanna Panufnik, Roderick Williams, among many others. As ambassadors for Edition Peters the ensemble publishes educational material including the VOCES8 Method. Developed by Paul Smith, this renowned and unique teaching tool is available in four languages and adopts music to enhance development in numeracy, literacy and linguistics.