Voces8, styled VOCES8, is an a cappellaoctet from England. They have appeared internationally and made recordings of classical music, jazz, pop, and their own arrangements. Recent recordings are for Decca Classics and under their own label, Voces8 Records. Educational efforts are run by the Voces8 Foundation.
History
VOCES8 is a British vocal ensemble originally founded in 2003,[1] and regrouped in 2005,[2] by brothers Paul and Barnaby Smith, both former choristers of Westminster Abbey.[3][4] For most of its history, the ensemble has contained two sopranos, two countertenors, two tenors, a baritone and a bass.[1] By 2018, one of the countertenors had been replaced by a female alto.
The ensemble has a diverse repertoire including early English and European Renaissance music, traditional folk song, classic jazz, pop and their own arrangements.[5] They have appeared internationally, touring especially in Europe, Asia and North America.[6][2]
The VOCES8 Foundation (formerly VCM Foundation) is a UK-registered charity, set up by VOCES8 founder members Paul and Barnaby Smith in 2006 to develop the ensemble's music education and outreach programmes.[10] Awarded a Classic FM (UK)Public Choice Award at the 2020 Music & Drama Education Awards,[11] the charity works across choral and small vocal ensemble performance and education and is based at the VOCES8 Centre at St Anne and St Agnes Church in the City of London.
Performance
Foundation artists perform around 200 concerts each year, including through online/livestreaming.[12]
Education
Foundation artists reach up to 40,000 people a year in regular workshops and masterclasses with Music Hubs, schools and community groups.
In 2015 the ensemble launched the VOCES8 Scholars Programme which provides training in performing, recording and workshop leading for 20 young singers with an interest in choral singing in the UK and USA.[13]
In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic they launched the VOCES8 Digital Academy featuring tutorials, exercises, learning and performing tracks and videos.[14]
Discography
The group has recorded with Decca, Signum, and their own Voces8 Records label. As part of their 15th anniversary celebrations in 2020, the group released their project After Silence,[15] composed of four digital EPs.[16]
