The King's Singers

06 / 02 / 2008

Hispanic Music at Cadogan Hall, and 40 Years of Perfect Harmony

We have sung the first of three concerts spread throughout the year in London's Cadogan Hall. The mini-series celebrates our 40th Anniversary. The first concert included music from our new CD, which will be available on full release soon. Find out more about the series at Cadogan Hall's official web site

Here is a review of that concert, from the London Times:

Scarlet ties, blue velvet suits and little dumbshows of fluting, plucking and drumming: this was the start of a series of three concerts celebrating the 40th anniversary of the King's Singers. And the audience loved it every bit as much as on that day in 1968 when six entirely different King's Singers took to the stage at the new Queen Elizabeth Hall and performed everything they knew.

That suave, quintessentially English answer to the barber-shop tradition has somehow stayed in character over four decades, yet retuned itself to the times. With every choir worth its salt now joining the pilgrim route to Santiago di Compostela, the King's Singers clearly decided not to be left behind. They brushed up their Hispanic dialects, and offered a Spanish Renaissance programme.

Their own take on the Santiago theme was to mock it gently. They rifled the Cancionero Musical de Palacio, an early 16th-century anthology, and found a song about shipwrecked sailors who promise the saints to go on a pilgrimage - but forget all about it once they're saved from the briny. La Bomba, by the Catalan composer Mateo Flecha, was a riot of music and mime, causing visiting Spaniards in the audience to jump out of their seats with joy.

This piece was an ensalada - a mixed salad of original composition, folk and religious music. And so was Flecha's El Fuego, with its little melodrama of the fire of sin being doused by the life-giving waters of faith. The preceding bawdy song, about a withered old wine-bag, was delightfully understated in its tongue-twisting declamation of the wisely anonymous words.

All this Hispanic hilarity had followed a first half of sublime lamentation. Three settings of the responsory, Versa est in luctum, from the Book of Job, was El Greco for the ear. And the Lamentationes Ieremiae Prophetae by Alonso Lobo interspersed exquisite vocal melismas on single Hebrew letters with its Latin text. Finely imagined timbres and immaculate blend characterised all this singing.

Anniversary series continues at Cadogan Hall on April 30 and November 21 (020 7730 4500)

Hilary Finch

07 / 02 / 2008

Extra anniversary show added at Cadogan Hall!

By popular demand, an additional concert has been added to our 'An Evening with The King's Singers' show on April 30th, which has all but sold out. The extra date is May 4th at 7pm. Our advice is to act fast and buy tickets here: Tickets...

07 / 02 / 2008

40 Years of Perfect Harmony

Review - 40th Anniversary concert at Cadogan Hall

Evening Standard
Harmonious:  The King's Singers - It's an ancient conundrum: If the constituent parts of an object have been replaced one by one, is it still the same object? For The King's Singers, the answer is definitely "Yes".

This year marks their 40th anniversary and while none of the current members was in at the beginning, it is recognisably the same ensemble with the same characteristics: immaculate harmony, minutely synchronised delivery, identikit blazers and ties. This opening concert of its birthday celebrations could easily have been a greatest hits package.

Nothing so frivolous. Instead we got an austere, even ascetic survey of 16th-century Iberian polyphony, the first half sacred, the second mostly secular.

It may not have been obviously crowd-pleasing but it made a perfect showcase for the sextet's architecturally layered sound, keening falsetto and droning bass providing top and bottom, tenor and baritone floating discreetly in between.

Before the interval, renaissance bassoon provided another texture, low and intestinal one minute, pleading and mournful the next. Merging perfectly with the voices, it floated like pungent incense.

The centrepiece was a massive, 20-minute setting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah by Alonso Lobo, a vocal challenge despatched with almost nonchalant precision. They are too refined ever to sing loud, of ocurse, but they have an imposing weight of sound that it seems impossible for just six voices to achieve.

After the interval, things got as near raucous as they ever do with this group. The good humour was infectious, yet even in bawdy songs about well-hung sailors there was no hint of vulgarity.

At times it might be nice to hear some grit and grime in the glistening pearl of their harmonies but then they would no longer be The King's Singers.

Nick Kimberly

19 / 02 / 2008

First studio album for over 10 years – Simple Gifts

While touring in the US, Canada and Mexico this February we have been working on the post-production of our first studio album for over 10 years. Produced by Gregg Jackman and recorded at the studio of Status Quo’s music legend, Francis Rossi, Simple Gifts has wonderful vocal harmony coupled with the impeccable style for which the group is justly famous. Each of the 16 tracks on the album has earned its place because of its great melody, covering classic pop ballads, spirituals, and folksongs. Out on Signum Records and available in our shop in May 08; US release June 08.

07 / 03 / 2008

The Times (London) welcomes 1st CD release of the 40th anniversary year

No coffee or whisky blend matches the suavity of the unaccompanied King's Singers. Their intonation is excellent in this sumptuous collection of Spanish, Portuguese and Mexican church Music. The opening processional raises the risks of British politeness, but the voices gather colour and character, and Alonso Lobo's Lamentations offers abundant rewards. The music is centred on death; but where there is beauty there is life.

Geoff Brown

The Times - 7th March 2008

The Golden Age  (on Signum Classics)

11 / 03 / 2008

Christmas with the New York Pops

We are really delighted to have a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall again this Christmas with the New York Pops Orchestra.  Conducted on this occasion by Rob Fisher, this is the creme de la creme of Pops orchestras.  We have had great fun putting together a spirited programme for the two shows on December 19th and 20th.  It will feature 2 arrangements from Mack Wilberg - arrangements we performed just last Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  If you live in Europe, why don't you plan to do some shopping in the Big Apple for Christmas and hear the concert?  We hope to see you there.

25 / 03 / 2008

King's Cambridge 40th anniversary celebrations to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3

On 1 May 2008 we will be back in King's College Chapel celebrating 40 years of The King's Singers with King's College Choir and Stephen Cleobury, giving the world premiere of a new piece by Bob Chilcott.  BBC Radio 3 is recording the concert for broadcast on 6 May at 1900 (UK time) on Performance on 3.

10 / 04 / 2008

LIVE AT THE BBC PROMS 2008

14 / 04 / 2008

NEW ALBUM RELEASE - SIMPLE GIFTS

To coincide with our 40th anniversary this May we are delighted and excited to release on Signum Classics the first full-length light album The King's Singers has made for over 10 years.  Simple Gifts is a studio-recorded album of ballads and folksongs, which are all unique arrangements.  Traditional songs like Greensleeves, Swing Low Sweet Chariot and The Gift to be Simple rub shoulders with tracks by Crosby Stills & Nash, Sting, James Taylor, Billy Joel and others.  We are proud of it, and are sure you will love it!  Buy it from our online shop now.

18 / 04 / 2008

STOLEN MOMENTS WITH ERIC WHITACRE

Taking part in the National Youth Choir of Great Britain's 25th anniversary concert last Sunday at Birmingham's Symphony Hall was wonderful in itself, but the premiere of Eric Whitacre's The Stolen Child was awesome.  Read our blog.

05 / 05 / 2008

CONCERT FROM KING'S BROADCAST

The 40th Anniversary Concert from King's Cambridge broadcast:  We have spent the last few days in the company of former King's Singers, friends and fans celebrating the group's 40th anniversary.  There will, no doubt, be blogs and plenty of pictures coming to this site soon.  In the meantime you can still catch our anniversary concert from King's College Chapel on the BBC's 'listen again' website service for a week.  It was a very special concert - tune in if you can!  http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/listen/index.shtml (finishes Tuesday 13 May)

15 / 05 / 2008

NEW WEBSITE FOR ASIA TOUR, JUNE 08

Take a look at the website for our trip to Asia here.

13 / 06 / 2008

DON'T MISS THE DAILY BLOGS FROM THE ASIA TOUR

We are posting blogs each day from Taiwan, China and South Korea.  Tour with us in spirit ...

17 / 06 / 2008

EARLY MUSIC SHOW BBC RADIO 3, 21 & 29 JUNE plus LISTEN AGAIN

To celebrate the King's Singers' 40th anniversary, guest presenter Robert Hollingworth is joined by one of the founder baritones of the group, Simon Carrington, and two current members David Hurley and Christopher Gabbitas. They look back at the 16th and 17th century repertoire covered by the King's Singers since they formed in 1968, and talk about their approach to performing sacred and secular music from this time.  Listen live on the radio or online, or via the 7 day listen again service on the Early Music Show website.

09 / 07 / 2008

ONE NIGHT IN WINONA

Tonight we will sing in the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels on the Saint Theresa Campus of Saint Mary's University, Winona, Minnesota.  Flying out of Berlin yesterday following a European tour, we touched down at Heathrow for coffee and lunch, changed planes and headed for Reykjavik for tea and then on to Minnesota, US.  Next stop Llandeilo, mid-Wales UK on Saturday 12th.

22 / 07 / 2008

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL AND THE PROMS

Although we are technically on holiday for the next few weeks, we couldn't resist the offer to perform in Tewkesbury Abbey in the Three Choirs Festival on 4 August and then at the BBC Proms in a television and radio broadcast concert on Tuesday 5 August.   Our new 'term' starts in September with a recording, followed by a trip that takes-in Switzerland, several wonderful concerts in Poland, Germany, Italy and back to the UK for concerts at the end of the month.

19 / 08 / 2008

EXETER CATHEDRAL TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Hear The King's Singers in the glorious surroundings of Exeter Cathedral in south west England, a building that boasts the longest uninterrupted mediaeval gothic vaulting in the world.  Click here for more details of the concert on 20 November, or call the box office on 01392 667080.

01 / 09 / 2008

'IT WAS JUST TOO...GOOD' - Valerie Kahler, MPR, 26 Aug 08

Not naturally pre-disposed to enjoy 'Simple Gifts', read Valerie's thoughts - here. (Minnesota Public Radio)

16 / 09 / 2008

CHANGES AHEAD

Robin Tyson, our second countertenor since 2001, has announced his retirement from the group. Last week Robin sang his 800th concert as a King's Singer. He will sing his last concert in January 2009 before moving into the music management world. Sad as this news is, we are delighted to be welcoming a new member to the group. Changes don't come very often to The King's Singers - in fact the current line-up is the second longest team of six since the group began. The new chap is Timothy Wayne-Wright, who will become the 20th person able to call himself a King's Singer. Tim currently sings at Windsor Castle and also works as a music educator. Details of his first concerts (a tour to the USA in February 2009) will be online soon. In the meantime, now is the time to book for one of Robin's last appearances!

Tim says: "It is a great honour to have been chosen by the present members of The King's Singers to replace Robin Tyson. I have listened to the group for many years and am so privileged to be asked to contribute to their world-renowned sound. It is going to be hard work but I am fully prepared to enjoy every moment of this unique and fantastic opportunity."

Stephen Connolly, celebrating 21 years in The King's Singers says: "Facing a change in personnel in a group such as the King's Singers can appear as a looming grey cloud on the horizon, set to rock the group's ship in more ways than one. However, the group is able to see the advantages of change and the benefits and new leases of life that the occasional infusions of new blood have brought to us over the years. We have good history of choosing the "right man for the job" and put complete trust in our rigorous audition process which never fails to provide the next member to continue this prestigious musical legacy. Tim will most certainly be no exception and we are looking forward to welcoming him on board in the new year to join the existing crew. Full Steam Ahead!!

29 / 09 / 2008

"REJOICE AND BE MERRY!" ALBUM RELEASE

Rejoice and Be Merry! New CD and DVD release with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

We are delighted to announce two new product releases for the festive season, based around the same concert. "Rejoice and Be Merry" performed by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, The Orchestra at Temple Square with us as special guest is released on September 30th. The album consists of tracks featuring The King's Singers arrangements of "The Little Drummer Boy", "Rise Up, Shepherd", "Jingle Bells" and Spanish and Latin American carols "El Niño Querido", "Riu, Riu, Chiu," and "La Peregrinación". Performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir there are carols in sensational brand new arrangements by choir Musical Director Mack Wilberg. We have been asked many times by fans for a recording of "O Holy Night": this version will not disappoint you!

We have performed a number of times with this famous choir, including the 2002 Winter Olympics, but this is the first album release of what has become a wonderful friendship. The live recording comes from our visit to Salt Lake City last year, where a total audience of 80,000 people (spread over four days) watched the spectacular show. With a million ticket requests for those concerts it is understandable that the nationally televised broadcast is expected to be the most watched PBS programme of the year. Happily, the show will be available worldwide as a DVD. Both products are available from the usual places, and we will soon have stock in our online shop. Make sure you have them both in your home this Christmas!

30 / 09 / 2008

WINDSOR CASTLE

We appeared as guests of the Windsor Festival last Friday and presented to a very English audience a very English programme which well suited the rather prestigiously regal environs in which we were performing and the elegantly dressed members of the audience to whom we had the pleasure of entertaining. If any of you are familiar with the Waterloo chamber in Windsor Castle, it will not surprise you to hear that the dress code for the audience was strictly Black Tie (Tuxes, suspenders etc.. for our American friends out there!). There was even as chap sitting in the aisle on the second row wearing the Scottish equivalent of evening dress which included a rather colourful kilt, long woolly socks with a somewhat dangerous looking dagger protruding from the top of the right one. How he managed to get through security with a long menacing knife was a complete puzzle. Perhaps he WAS the security...they tend to do things in a beautifully traditional manner at Windsor!

The program consisted of Oriana Madrigals, Britten's Gloriana Dances, some Victorian part songs and some of the pieces we had commissioned and premiered at the BBC proms a few years ago to help celebrate the present Queen's Golden Jubilee. A right royal mix was enjoyed by all. The audience loved the mix and by the end of the programme were rushing out to the foyer to buy the new CD Simple Gifts which had been featured quite by chance in the finally group. Paul kindly pointed this out (several times) for those who had not gathered the link.

The evening and indeed the whole day was highlighted by the presence of Tim Wayne-Wright, Robin's replacement come February. Tim, as you may have read, has the distinguished job of singing for the Royal family in their Chapel as part of the famous choir there. At present Tim lives within the high walls of Windsor castle in the most wonderfully historic apartments where he entertained several of his future colleagues for Lunch and refreshments throughout the day. It was lovely to meet and spend some time with his close family and get to know one's new "colleague to be" in such a wonderful setting... and the Plum Crumble was fantastic... mmm!

Two days later saw us in Eastbourne on the south coast where we sang in the Victorian Festival there...another regal array of British pride in its Monarchy.... a Right Royal weekend was had by all!

The very Best of British Wishes to you all and God Save the Queen.

Stephen Connolly

21 / 10 / 2008

PARIS ANNIVERSARY SHOW

We are frequent visitors to the wonderful Salle Gaveau in Paris. Its size, décor and acoustics makes it a great place to sing. We have just given a special anniversary concert there in front of a very excitable audience. We were excited too, as we were joined on the stage by Christina Pluhar’s ensemble L’Arpeggiata (with whom we recorded the album ‘Los Impossibles’, and by Swedish jazz singer (and former Real Group member) Margareta Bengtson. There was, of course, a party atmosphere, with the audience twice singing us ‘bon anniversaire’ and keeping us on the stage for a number of encores. We still have special concerts to come this year in London, Berlin and New York, but with this year drawing to a close we are already wondering how to celebrate the golden anniversary in 2018!

04 / 11 / 2008

QUIET HEART PRINT MUSIC NOW ON SALE

The companion song book of print music to our best-selling disc of Salvation Army songs, 'The Quiet Heart' is now available in our shop.   We recorded 'Reflections', the next CD in this wonderful series in September and it will be available within weeks.  Watch this space!

14 / 11 / 2008

TIM STARTS REHEARSING...

Whilst we continue to give our concerts Tim Wayne-Wright has been 'shadowing', rehearsing and working as a member of the group. We've had a great photoshoot, and fans at our German concerts in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Berlin and Dresden have met him. It's work in progress, but very good progress... One of the pictures on this page gives a glimpse of the new line-up.

18 / 11 / 2008

40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK DISCOUNT!

As our 40th Anniversary year draws to a close we are offering the 40th Anniversary Collection song book at a special price. Published by Hal Leonard it includes some classic and new repertoire for you and your ensemble. Click here for more information.

19 / 11 / 2008

VINTAGE KING'S SINGERS TELEVISION WITH NANA MOUSKOURI

See The King's Singers perform with the 'White Rose of Athens' on BBC FOUR at 9pm on 5th December.  Celebrating 74-year-old Mouskouri's illustrious career, this BBC Four Legends documentary features a revealing interview with Nana herself, rare archive footage and fascinating interviews with family and friends – including international stars such as Harry Belafonte, Julio Iglesias, Charles Aznavour and The King's Singers.

Viewers can also see footage from last July's farewell concert in her hometown of Athens which, following a four-year-long world tour, marked her final retirement from performing and interviews with one of The King's Singers who had the privilege to work with her, Brian Kay.

As well as continuously releasing albums, Nana has toured throughout her career. In 1965, when she toured with Harry Belafonte, the girl who had grown up a shy teenager showed her true mettle. Harry, like many people before him, had tried to persuade her to take her glasses off to perform. She did for two days, but it made her desperately uncomfortable. In what could have been a major career moment, she told the established star that it was a case of "Love me, love my glasses". In Harry's own words, she won – he's still not sure about the glasses, however, but he loves her.

20 / 11 / 2008

MARILYN HORNE GUESTS IN NEW YORK POPS SHOWS

We are thrilled to say that Marilyn Horne will join us on stage during our holiday programme in New York's Carnegie Hall in December. Ms Horne has cut back her appearances recently, so if you haven't already bought your tickets, there is now a double incentive to be there!