I think, the fact that Blake Morgan is part of the group makes his masterful arrangements glorious and personal at the same time. Glorious, well because they always sound glorious (but always subtle at the same time), and personal because he knows every member so well, that he can write the arrangements for every single singer personally.
VOCES8 foundation is an incredible UK organization promoting the continuation of the beauty of vocal performance and there are several groups in the org, of which this is the "primary" performance group. Blake Morgan is a genious of an arranger epsecially for really interesting takes on pop music done for this group (I would highly recommend watching his arrangement of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" performed by this ensemble in coordination with one of the other organization's ensembles called Lyyra. It's amazing!
Welcome to Voces8 (Voches 8). They are the top ensemble in the Voces8 Foundation, a foundation whose soul purpose is the promotion of vocal music education and music in general. When they tour, they do masterclasses and workshops in local high schools, colleges, and community groups. They have 2 other full time ensembles: Apollo5, a 5 piece mixed ensemble, and the newest and first US based ensemble Lyyra, a 6 piece upper voice ensemble. I've heard Voces8 thrice, in everything from a small church to the massive St Louis Basilica Cathedral, and the power and clarity they have is amazing. You mentioned Eric Whitacre. Last year they put out an album with Eric Whitacre of his work, "The Sacred Veil". It's stunning. BTW, Blake Morgan is the lone American in the ensemble, and was the tenor soloist in the beginning. Everything is worth checking out, since you mentioned Russian choral works, "Salvation Is Created" would be worth a listen. Recorded in the St Louis Basilica. Then, they just dropped a version of "Scarborough Fair" with the equally stellar Chanticleer.
@@ShawkaReacts same. My father was also my high school band director, and it was his favorite work. He made sure to perform it at least every 3 years so every student had the chance to play it.
Their lineup has evolved over time, but a few like the soprano Andrea and counter tenor Barnaby have been there from the start. You should definitely check out "miserere mei", "timshel", "find our way", "sleep" - I could go on and on. They have a zillion youtube videos and they are all phenomenal.
The name is pronounced vo-ches-eight and they're based in London and directed by Barnaby Smith (the counter tenor) The line-up changes slowly over time with singers staying for about 5 years then moving on. My wife and I saw them live a month or so ago. Not only are they arguably the world's best a cappella singing group, they are such friendly, down-to-earth people. After the performance, they all came out into the lobby of the theatre to chat to folks. If you loved this, then check out their version of Allegri's Miserere Mei Deus. Andrea Haines hits that top C as if its the easiest thing in the world - then completes the entire phrase in a single breath...
Playing trombone in the band from early grade school through high school ( many, many years ago now!), I just hear the resonate tones in that range! The voices sound so much like the brass tones - so well-done!! 🎉
I think, the fact that Blake Morgan is part of the group makes his masterful arrangements glorious and personal at the same time. Glorious, well because they always sound glorious (but always subtle at the same time), and personal because he knows every member so well, that he can write the arrangements for every single singer personally.
VOCES8 foundation is an incredible UK organization promoting the continuation of the beauty of vocal performance and there are several groups in the org, of which this is the "primary" performance group. Blake Morgan is a genious of an arranger epsecially for really interesting takes on pop music done for this group (I would highly recommend watching his arrangement of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" performed by this ensemble in coordination with one of the other organization's ensembles called Lyyra. It's amazing!
Welcome to Voces8 (Voches 8). They are the top ensemble in the Voces8 Foundation, a foundation whose soul purpose is the promotion of vocal music education and music in general. When they tour, they do masterclasses and workshops in local high schools, colleges, and community groups. They have 2 other full time ensembles: Apollo5, a 5 piece mixed ensemble, and the newest and first US based ensemble Lyyra, a 6 piece upper voice ensemble. I've heard Voces8 thrice, in everything from a small church to the massive St Louis Basilica Cathedral, and the power and clarity they have is amazing. You mentioned Eric Whitacre. Last year they put out an album with Eric Whitacre of his work, "The Sacred Veil". It's stunning. BTW, Blake Morgan is the lone American in the ensemble, and was the tenor soloist in the beginning. Everything is worth checking out, since you mentioned Russian choral works, "Salvation Is Created" would be worth a listen. Recorded in the St Louis Basilica. Then, they just dropped a version of "Scarborough Fair" with the equally stellar Chanticleer.
Salvation is one of my all time favorites!!!
@@ShawkaReacts same. My father was also my high school band director, and it was his favorite work. He made sure to perform it at least every 3 years so every student had the chance to play it.
@@ShawkaReacts Same. You absolutely should listen to their version. Imo it is one of the most beautiful performances in music.
Their lineup has evolved over time, but a few like the soprano Andrea and counter tenor Barnaby have been there from the start. You should definitely check out "miserere mei", "timshel", "find our way", "sleep" - I could go on and on. They have a zillion youtube videos and they are all phenomenal.
Blake Morgan is the gentleman with the beard. In addition to writing and composing, he is the 1st tenor.
The arranger Blake Morgan is the baritone who opens the piece. Give him the credit!
The name is pronounced vo-ches-eight and they're based in London and directed by Barnaby Smith (the counter tenor)
The line-up changes slowly over time with singers staying for about 5 years then moving on.
My wife and I saw them live a month or so ago. Not only are they arguably the world's best a cappella singing group, they are such friendly, down-to-earth people.
After the performance, they all came out into the lobby of the theatre to chat to folks.
If you loved this, then check out their version of Allegri's Miserere Mei Deus. Andrea Haines hits that top C as if its the easiest thing in the world - then completes the entire phrase in a single breath...
Thank you for that!
Playing trombone in the band from early grade school through high school ( many, many years ago now!), I just hear the resonate tones in that range! The voices sound so much like the brass tones - so well-done!! 🎉
Fellow trombone player! 💪❤️
I do prefer the actual Finlandia, but this is lovely too.