The concert takes place on Tuesday 15th November 2022 and features pieces by William Byrd, William Walton and Sergei Rachmaninov, as well as more contemporary pieces from Nat ‘King’ Cole, Irving Berlin and Kate Rusby. There will also be a ‘Big Afternoon Sing’ with pupils from across the city.
Bradford Cathedral will welcome British vocal ensemble VOCES8 to Bradford Cathedral on Tuesday 15th November, where they will perform a range of pieces at an evening concert including Sergei Rachmaninov’s Bogoroditse Devo, Paul Smith’s Nunc Dimittis, and Eleanor Daley’s Upon your heart, with that final piece one of five sung alongside the Bradford Cathedral Choir.
The programme also includes Straighten Up and Fly Right (made famous by Nat ‘King’ Cole), Cheek to Cheek (Irving Berlin), and Kate Rusby’s Underneath the Stars, which lends its name to the overall programme.
From the Renaissance glories of sounding trumpets for the new moon, to romantic poetic and musical reflections on the beauty of the night, to the shimmering sonority of music inspired by the stars, to songs from Broadway; Underneath the Stars showcases VOCES8’s broad repertoire in a concert presentation that processes from triumph, to reflection, to entertainment.
Tickets are selling fast for the concert and can be booked online, or from the Cathedral office.
Alongside the evening concert, VOCES8 – as part of their VOCES8 Foundation – have been holding workshops in Bradford schools and, on the day of Underneath the Stars will be holding a ‘Big Afternoon Sing’ with pupils from across the city.
Ann Wright, Director of Education at the VOCES8 Foundation says:
“It is a privilege to be able to work with children in Bradford and see the joy and self-confidence they gain through singing. The opportunity to visit the cathedral and perform with VOCES8 is very special given that for most of the children, it will be their first experience performing with a professional ensemble in a wonderful space.”
Barnaby Smith, Artistic Director at the VOCES8 Foundation and co-founder of VOCES8 says:
“We are delighted to be able to perform in Bradford Cathedral and look forward to sharing a programme that includes performing with the cathedral choir.”
Alexander Berry, Director of Music at Bradford Cathedral, says:
“It is a great privilege for the cathedral choir to sing with VOCES8, and we are really looking forward to welcoming them to Bradford Cathedral. The choristers are very excited, and have been working hard on a number of new pieces for the concert.
“I’d also like to thank the L G Harris Trust for their funding towards the event. We are very grateful for their support which helped make the event possible.”
The VOCES8 and Bradford Cathedral Choir Concert takes place on Tuesday 15th November, with doors opening at 6pm for a 7pm start. You can book your tickets for the concert at https://voces8.eventbrite.co.uk/, or by calling the Bradford Cathedral office on 01274 77 77 20 between 9am and 2:45pm Monday – Friday.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
About Bradford Cathedral
Bradford Cathedral is a hidden jewel waiting to be discovered. Set in tranquil gardens we are Bradford’s oldest place of worship and house the story of the City.
We are an Anglican Cathedral, holding services, events and educational visits.
We are open Mon – Sat 10am – 4pm for visiting and prayer. Discover our Morris & Co textiles and stained glass, and monuments marking Bradford’s history.
Visit us online for more or call 01274 77 77 20.
- Welcome to Yorkshire ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ 2020
- Eco congregation status
- Council for Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Mark
- Museums+Heritage Awards ‘Best Use of Digital – UK’ (2022, shortlisted)
- Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards 2022 – Outstanding Contribution to Tourism (Finalist)
For further information please contact:
Philip Lickley, Communications, Marketing and Events Officer
t: 01274 777722
e: commsandevents@bradfordcathedral.org
About VOCES8
The British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. Touring globally, the group performs an extensive repertory both in its a cappella concerts and 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.
VOCES8 has performed at many notable venues since its inception in 2005 including Wigmore Hall, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Cité de la Musique Paris, Vienna Konzerthaus, Tokyo Opera City, NCPA Beijing, Sydney Opera House, Mariinsky Theatre Concert Hall, Victoria Concert Hall Singapore, Palacio de Bellas Artes Mexico City amongst many others. 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 entrepreneurial and community spirit and its innovative approach are fostered by the Co-Founders of VOCES8, brothers Paul and Barnaby Smith. The pandemic has provided the impetus for VOCES8 to further transform its already exceptional offerings, nurturing a new audience community providing hope, resilience and a chance to engage with classical music in new ways. Pioneering initiatives include ventures such as the LIVE From London digital festivals and the VOCES8 Digital Academy.
You can find out more about VOCES8 at https://voces8.com/