The Gesualdo Six are a vocal sextet specialising in the performance of renaissance polyphony, directed by Owain Park. The ensemble is made up of undergraduates and graduates of Cambridge University, and currently the choirs of King’s, St John’s and Trinit...  moreThe Gesualdo Six are a vocal sextet specialising in the performance of renaissance polyphony, directed by Owain Park. The ensemble is made up of undergraduates and graduates of Cambridge University, and currently the choirs of King’s, St John’s and Trinity colleges are represented. Recent concerts have included performances of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday (Feria Quinta), Monteverdi madrigals and anthems by Byrd. The ensemble has also performed music by Ligeti, Rheinberger and arrangements by Philip Lawson. Future engagements include a lunchtime concert in the Cambridge St John’s Music Festival, as well as concerts at Jesus and Caius colleges.  less

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Hark the herald angels sing. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge. Slade’s Merry Christmas everybody. White Chr...

Polyphony was formed by Stephen Layton in 1986 for a concert in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. Since then the choir has performed and recorded regularly to great critical acclaim throughout the world. Recent reviews declare Polyphony ‘one of the best s...  morePolyphony was formed by Stephen Layton in 1986 for a concert in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge. Since then the choir has performed and recorded regularly to great critical acclaim throughout the world. Recent reviews declare Polyphony ‘one of the best small choirs now before the public’ (Telegraph) and ‘possibly the best small professional chorus in the world’ (Encore Magazine, USA). In a new poll by Gramophone Magazine they were named as one of the world’s leading choirs ‘Stephen Layton's choir have become renowned for both their sound and versatility – whether in early music, or contemporary works such as those of Eric Whitacre, they embody the remarkable tradition of British choral excellence at its finest.’ For more than a decade Polyphony has given annual sell-out performances of Bach’s St John Passion and Handel’s Messiah at St John’s Smith Square. These have become notable events in London’s music calendar and have been broadcast by BBC Radio 3 and the EBU. According to the Evening Standard ‘no one ...    less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   “Hark the herald angels sing”. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge. Slade’s “Merry Christma...

Message from Philip Lawson - From 2012 I will be moving on from The King's Singers to give myself more time for composing and arranging. If you would like to discuss commissioning a piece from me or organising a choral workshop or arranging seminar pl...

Music by Edward Elgar from "Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf" words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Although a relatively new player in the world of music, it has not taken long for Six Vocal Ensemble to leave their mark. Building upon the inspiration from such groups as Rajaton, The King’s Singers, and The Real Group, Six has charted a unique path, com...  moreAlthough a relatively new player in the world of music, it has not taken long for Six Vocal Ensemble to leave their mark. Building upon the inspiration from such groups as Rajaton, The King’s Singers, and The Real Group, Six has charted a unique path, combining choral, pop, world, and folk influences, surprising audiences everywhere with the versatility and blend of their voices. To categorize their genre is difficult; to experience their music is indescribable. The members of Six come from entirely different musical backgrounds. In its inception, Six came together as a group of opera and rock singers, jazz artists and choral traditionalists. From amidst this diversity a common goal has seamlessly forged a unified and surprisingly unique a cappella sound. New and returning audiences alike are left constantly amazed at the musical possibilities of the human voice. As the group continue to develop, each member brings different strengths, adding to the complexity that makes Six Vocal Ensemble. This diversity all...    less

Winning performance at the German National Choir Competition 2010 in Dortmund

This has been quite a week!  Last Mondy, we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and yesterday, our country swore in a new president.  Regardless of who one voted for, the election results surprised nearly everyone.  As someone ...