Country

:

United Kingdom

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The Clerks' Group is a renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in performing early music. The group was founded in 1992 by Edward Wickham, a British conductor and musicologist, who remains the group's artistic director to this day. The ensemble is made up of a core group of six singers, but it often expands to include additional instrumentalists and vocalists for specific performances. The Clerks' Group takes its name from the medieval term "clerk," which referred to a scholar or learned person. This name reflects the group's commitment to performing music from the medieval and Renaissance periods, as well as contemporary works that are inspired by these earlier styles. The group's repertoire includes sacred and secular music from across Europe, with a particular focus on English and French music from the 14th to the 16th centuries. The core members of The Clerks' Group are soprano Amy Haworth, alto Ruth Massey, tenors William Missin and Nicholas Todd, baritone Lawrence Wallington, and bass Tim Scott Whiteley. All of these singers are highly trained and experienced performers, with backgrounds in early music and other classical genres. They are known for their precise and expressive vocal technique, as well as their ability to blend their voices seamlessly in ensemble performances. Over the years, The Clerks' Group has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals around the world. Some of their most notable performances include appearances at the Edinburgh International Festival, the BBC Proms, and the York Early Music Festival. They have also performed at major concert halls in Europe and North America, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and Carnegie Hall in New York. One of the highlights of The Clerks' Group's career was their performance of the complete works of Guillaume de Machaut, a medieval French composer, at the Wigmore Hall in 2003. This was a major undertaking, as Machaut's works are extensive and complex, but the group's meticulous preparation and skillful execution earned them critical acclaim and a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to their live performances, The Clerks' Group has also released several recordings that have received widespread praise. Their debut album, "The Clerk's Group and Edward Wickham Sing Early English Church Music," was released in 1995 and was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by The Times. They have since released many other albums, including recordings of music by Machaut, Josquin des Prez, and John Taverner. The Clerks' Group has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors for their contributions to early music. In 2005, they were awarded the Gramophone Award for Early Music for their recording of Machaut's "Messe de Nostre Dame." They have also been nominated for several other Gramophone Awards and have won the Diapason d'Or, the Choc de Classica, and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. In addition to their performances and recordings, The Clerks' Group is also committed to education and outreach. They frequently give masterclasses and workshops for aspiring singers and musicians, and they have worked with schools and community groups to promote early music and music education. They have also collaborated with other artists and ensembles, including the contemporary dance company Rambert and the early music ensemble Fretwork.

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