Voces8 is a British classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for its exceptional vocal performances. The group was founded in 2005 by brothers Paul and Barnaby Smith, who were both former choristers at Westminster Abbey. The ensemble consists of eight singers, four men and four women, who perform a wide range of music from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works. The main members of Voces8 are sopranos Andrea Haines and Eleonore Cockerham, altos Katie Jeffries-Harris and Barnaby Smith, tenors Blake Morgan and Sam Dressel, and basses Christopher Moore and Jonathan Pacey. Each member brings a unique vocal quality to the group, and their combined sound is characterized by its clarity, precision, and balance. One of the highlights of Voces8's career was their performance at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The group sang the British national anthem, "God Save the Queen," in front of a global audience of millions. This performance was a testament to the group's versatility and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Voces8 has also received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2011, they won the International A Cappella Competition in Leipzig, Germany, and in 2014, they were awarded the Diapason d'Or for their album "Lux." They have also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Choral Performance and Best Engineered Album, Classical. In addition to their performances and recordings, Voces8 is committed to music education and outreach. They have established the Voces8 Foundation, which provides music education and training to young people around the world. The foundation's programs include workshops, masterclasses, and concerts, and they have worked with over 40,000 young people in the UK, Europe, and the US. Voces8's repertoire includes a wide range of music from different periods and styles. They are particularly known for their performances of Renaissance polyphony, including works by composers such as Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. They also perform contemporary works by living composers, including Ola Gjeilo, Eric Whitacre, and Jonathan Dove. One of Voces8's most popular recordings is their album "Eventide," which features a selection of choral music for the evening. The album includes works by Tallis, Byrd, and Palestrina, as well as contemporary composers such as Morten Lauridsen and Ēriks Ešenvalds. The album's title track, "Eventide," is a setting of the hymn "Abide with Me" by Gjeilo, and features a solo by soprano Andrea Haines. Another notable recording by Voces8 is their album "Enchanted Isle," which features music by British composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Benjamin Britten, and John Tavener. The album also includes arrangements of traditional folk songs, such as "Scarborough Fair" and "Danny Boy." Voces8 has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Berlin Philharmonic, and Carnegie Hall in New York. They have also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music, the King's Singers, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. In conclusion, Voces8 is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has gained recognition for their exceptional vocal performances and commitment to music education.

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