"The Holst Singers sing with a spellbinding sense of atmosphere and crystal-clear textures... supremely musical"
BBC Music Magazine
The Holst Singers are one of Britain's foremost choirs, described by the BBC as "a leading chorus on the international stage". Based in London, in addition to their busy concert diary, they frequently broadcast on Classic FM and BBC Radio 3, and regularly record for
leading classical labels. With the support of their President, James Bowman, and Musical Director, Stephen Layton, the choir has developed an interest in exploring new and neglected works as well as core choral repertoire. Recent CD releases include Ikon II, the long awaited sequel to Ikon (1997), a disc that immediately became a cult classic and a best-seller. Ikon II brings together a selection of Russian choral masterpieces in an extraordinary disc which is immediately enthralling. Recently reviewed on BBC Radio 3 Record Review, the disc was describled as "impeccable... so, so well-conceived" and Jeremy Summerly, the guest-reviewer commented on the choir's "phenomenal sound". Other notable recordings include Veljo Tormis (Hyperion), The Tavener Collection (Decca) which followed the critically accalaimed performances of which the Times commented "I don't think I shall hear singing this year more thrilling" and led to a BBC Proms performance. Schnittke's Choir Concerto (Hyperion), Ikon (including music by Pärt, Sviridov, Gorecki and Tchaikovsky), Gretchaninov's Vespers, and settings of Shakespeare songs and English folk songs by Vaughan Williams in Over Hill, Over Dale. Recent highlights include a special collaboration with Imogen Heap on her acclaimed a ca****la soundtrack to 'The Seashell and The Clergyman'; concerts at the VOICES NOW festival at Roundhouse; Bach Motets at Temple Church and Merton College, Oxford; a candlelight performance of Rachmaninov's Vespers and The Planets with Houston Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican. Recent touring includes Estonia in 2009 and Santiago da Compostela with the Hilliard Ensemble in Easter 2011. Future engagements include the Scott Centenary Concert Tour with City of London Sinfonia; concerts of Venetian sacred music with the London Trumpet Choir in Cambridge and London; and a charity gala performance of Mozart's Requiem in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK.
