
The choir
Nonsuch Singers, described by The Times as "one of London’s best chamber
choirs" and by Early Music Review as "an impressive London-based chamber
choir", is increasingly well-known for its innovative programmes,
high-quality singing and communicative performances. Stylistic versatility
has become a recognised hallmark of concerts and the choir's repertoire
encompasses a cappella and accompanied works from the Renaissance to the
present day. The choir regularly performs with many of the UK's leading
instrumental ensembles and finest young vocal soloists.
Founded in 1977, the choir celebrated its 25th anniversary in May 2002 with
a highly-acclaimed sell-out performance of Bach's Mass in B minor at St
John's, Smith Square, recommended as "Critic's Choice" in The Times.
Highlights of recent years have included an acclaimed performance of
Monteverdi's Vespers with His Majesty's Sagbutts and Cornetts at St
Martin-in-the-Fields (again recommended as "Critic's Choice" in The Times),
the televised world première of John Tavener’s Exhortation and Kohima in the
Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, a
critically acclaimed concert of French Baroque works, edited by Lionel
Sawkins, with an orchestra led by Catherine Mackintosh and soloists
including Emma Kirkby, and the first complete modern performance of Pancrace
Royer’s opera, Zaïde, Reine de Grenade, celebrating the 300th anniversary of
the composer’s birth. Contemporary British works are a noted feature of the
choir’s repertoire and performances have often been attended by the composer
concerned. The choir's impressive 2006/7 London concert series was typical
in encompassing an exceptionally wide range of choral works, including a
programme of English choral classics at St Martin-in-the-Fields, a concert
of sacred music from five centuries at Southwark Cathedral, and a sell-out
concert of Christmas music and readings with celebrity readers including
Maureen Lipman, Kristin Scott Thomas and David Suchet, held at Cadogan Hall
in aid of the National Autistic Society.
Since
the appointment in 1996 of the choir’s current director Graham Caldbeck,
concerts have frequently sought to make less-familiar music accessible by
exploring connections between established composers and lesser-known
contemporary works. This distinctive programming approach has been remarked
upon by London’s Time Out ("the choir fascinatingly blend Renaissance with
modern") and Evening Standard. The choir regularly repeats programmes
outside London. Recent years have seen concerts in Dorset, Gloucestershire,
Hampshire, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire and Suffolk. In July 2005
the choir sang the Cathedral services at Hereford and in 2003 did so at
Worcester
Nonsuch Singers currently consists of some forty members. Many have
considerable experience of singing in university chamber and chapel choirs
and all are united in their enthusiasm and commitment to perform the world's
greatest choral music to a wide audience and to the highest standards.
Nonsuch Singers became a registered charity in 2004. Nonsuch
singers is a registered charity. Registered charity no.1105880. |