Country

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United Kingdom

Genre

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Vocal

 

The King's Singers is a British classical music ensemble that was founded in 1968 at King's College in Cambridge. The group was originally formed by six choral scholars who were looking to create a new type of vocal ensemble that would combine the precision and discipline of a traditional choir with the flexibility and creativity of a small chamber group. The founding members of the King's Singers were Alastair Hume (countertenor), Simon Carrington (tenor), Brian Kay (baritone), Nigel Perrin (baritone), Anthony Holt (bass), and Alastair Thompson (bass). The group quickly gained a reputation for their innovative arrangements of popular songs and their ability to perform a wide range of musical styles, from Renaissance madrigals to contemporary pop hits. One of the early highlights of the King's Singers' career was their performance at the 1970 Edinburgh Festival, where they received critical acclaim for their performance of works by William Byrd and Thomas Tallis. The group also began to tour extensively, performing in venues across Europe, North America, and Asia. Over the years, the King's Singers have undergone several personnel changes, but the group has remained committed to their original mission of creating innovative and engaging vocal music. Some of the most notable members of the group include David Hurley (countertenor), Paul Phoenix (tenor), Philip Lawson (baritone), and Christopher Gabbitas (baritone). Throughout their career, the King's Singers have received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 1987, the group won a Grammy Award for their album "Simple Gifts," which featured arrangements of American folk songs. They have also been awarded the Edison Award, the Grand Prix du Disque, and the MIDEM Classical Award. In addition to their recordings, the King's Singers have also collaborated with a wide range of other artists and ensembles. They have performed with orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra, and have worked with composers including John Rutter and Eric Whitacre. One of the most memorable performances in the King's Singers' history was their appearance at the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Concert, which celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne. The group performed a medley of songs by British composers, including "Rule Britannia" and "Land of Hope and Glory," to a crowd of thousands gathered outside Buckingham Palace. Today, the King's Singers continue to tour and record, and their music remains as fresh and innovative as ever. With their unique blend of precision, creativity, and musicality, they have become one of the most beloved and respected vocal ensembles in the world.

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