Voces8 Celebrates 20 Years with Vibrant Concert at the Barbican

Strategic Insights -

Voces8, a renowned vocal group founded by Barnaby and Paul Smith 20 years ago, celebrated a milestone birthday with a sold-out concert at the Barbican. The evening was a testament to the ensemble's growth and diversity, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary compositions. The concert showcased the group's agility and artistry, as well as its ability to collaborate with other artists.

Key Takeaways:

  • Voces8 celebrated 20 years with a concert at the Barbican, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary compositions.
  • The ensemble performed a range of music, including pieces by Italian Renaissance composer Giovanni Croce, Caroline Shaw, and Elgar's Nimrod, arranged by John Cameron.
  • The concert highlighted the group's ability to blend traditional and modern styles, with some works sounding no more old-fashioned than contemporary pieces.
  • Voces8 collaborated with a range of artists, including alumni members, violinist Jack Liebeck, and the BBC Singers.
  • The highlight of the concert was a performance of William Harris's Faire is the Heaven and Charles Wood's Hail Gladdening Light by all 40-odd singers on stage, creating a thrilling sound effect.
  • Voces8's 20th-anniversary concert was sold out, indicating a high level of demand for the group's performances.
  • The ensemble has come a long way since its founding in 2005, with a growing reputation for its artistic and technical excellence.
  • Voces8 has collaborated with a range of composers, including Elgar, Rachmaninov, and contemporary artists like Caroline Shaw.
  • The group's ability to blend traditional and modern styles is a key aspect of its appeal, making it a popular choice for choral music enthusiasts.
  • The concert was streamed on BBC Radio 3 and available on BBC Sounds for those unable to attend in person.

Sources:

  • "Voces8 Celebrates 20 Years with Vibrant Concert at the Barbican" (The Guardian)
  • "Voces8: 20 years of singing with passion and conviction" (BBC News)
  • Voces8 (official website)
  • Photography by Andrew Wilkinson (Voces8)