Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The Sixteen is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in performing choral music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Founded in 1979 by conductor Harry Christophers, the group has become one of the most respected and acclaimed ensembles in the classical music world. Harry Christophers, who was born in Goudhurst, Kent, England in 1953, studied music at Magdalen College, Oxford, and later at the Royal College of Music in London. He began his career as a conductor in the early 1970s, working with various choirs and orchestras in the UK. In 1977, he founded the choir of the New College, Oxford, which he directed until 1985. In 1979, Christophers founded The Sixteen, which was originally a vocal consort consisting of sixteen singers. The group's first performance was at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, where they performed music by William Byrd and Thomas Tallis. The concert was a great success, and The Sixteen quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional performances of Renaissance and Baroque music. Over the years, The Sixteen has expanded to include a full choir and orchestra, and has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. The group has also recorded over 150 albums, many of which have won critical acclaim and awards. The Sixteen's repertoire includes music by composers such as Palestrina, Monteverdi, Bach, Handel, and Purcell, as well as contemporary composers such as James MacMillan and Arvo Pärt. The group is known for their impeccable vocal technique, expressive interpretations, and innovative programming. The Sixteen's main members include Harry Christophers, who serves as the group's conductor and artistic director, and Eamonn Dougan, who is the associate conductor and chorus master. The group's singers and instrumentalists are all highly skilled musicians, many of whom have performed with other leading ensembles and orchestras. One of The Sixteen's most notable performances was their 2006 concert at the BBC Proms, where they performed Bach's Mass in B Minor. The concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was highly praised by critics and audiences alike. The group has also performed at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Proms in the Park. In addition to their live performances, The Sixteen has also made numerous recordings, many of which have won awards and critical acclaim. Some of their most notable recordings include their 1990 album of music by Thomas Tallis, which won a Gramophone Award, and their 2016 album of music by Palestrina, which won a BBC Music Magazine Award. The Sixteen has also been recognized for their contributions to the classical music world. In 2009, they were awarded the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Recording for their album of music by Handel. They have also been awarded the Diapason d'Or, the Edison Award, and the Classical Brit Award. In addition to their performances and recordings, The Sixteen is also committed to music education and outreach. They regularly hold workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and have established a program called Genesis Sixteen, which provides training and performance opportunities for young singers. Overall, The Sixteen is a world-class ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the classical music world.

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