Message from Philip Lawson - From 2012 I will be moving on from The King's Singers to give myself more time for composing and arranging. If you would like to discuss commissioning a piece from me or organising a choral workshop or arranging seminar pl...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]I’ve been praised many times by the singers I work with for being so patient. Which makes me wonder: what’s the alternative?I must admit that I ...

Although a relatively new player in the world of music, it has not taken long for Six Vocal Ensemble to leave their mark. Building upon the inspiration from such groups as Rajaton, The King’s Singers, and The Real Group, Six has charted a unique path, com...  moreAlthough a relatively new player in the world of music, it has not taken long for Six Vocal Ensemble to leave their mark. Building upon the inspiration from such groups as Rajaton, The King’s Singers, and The Real Group, Six has charted a unique path, combining choral, pop, world, and folk influences, surprising audiences everywhere with the versatility and blend of their Voices. To categorize their genre is difficult; to experience their music is indescribable. The members of Six come from entirely different musical backgrounds. In its inception, Six came together as a group of opera and rock singers, jazz artists and choral traditionalists. From amidst this diversity a common goal has seamlessly forged a unified and surprisingly unique a cappella sound. New and returning audiences alike are left constantly amazed at the musical possibilities of the human voice. As the group continue to develop, each member brings different strengths, adding to the complexity that makes Six Vocal Ensemble. This diversity all...    less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]     This post is part of a series of occasional Questions and Answers. Just use the contact form if you want to submit a question.   Morning St...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Size is in the eye of the beholder. How ‘big’ a choir is depends on the context of course, but working with a large group of singers in any ci...

The Major Minors Children’s Choir have teamed up with their friends the Hutt Valley Singers to perform this special concert for Mother’s Day. The Children’s choir which is in its 4th year of singing is looking forward to performing its f...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] The rehearsal begins and the Altos looks around in panic: “Where’s Carol?” Carol is a strong, confident singer, but she’s not here thi...

Choirs and singers of Sheffield - Come and take part in a massed choral performance in the heart of Sheffield! Albion have been commissioned, with funding from Arts Council England, to stage a special performance as part of the opening weekend of the T...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   One place I work at, they call my workshops ‘singers weekends’.     Somebody once told me they couldn’t come on one ...

A setting by Edward Gold of a poem by Thomas Love Peacock sung by David Warin Solomons multitracking as the dwsChorale Glee- The Ghosts In life three ghostly friars were we, And now three friarly ghosts we be. Around our shadowy table placed, The spe...  moreA setting by Edward Gold of a poem by Thomas Love Peacock sung by David Warin Solomons multitracking as the dwsChorale Glee- The Ghosts In life three ghostly friars were we, And now three friarly ghosts we be. Around our shadowy table placed, The spectral bowl before us floats: With wine that none but ghosts can taste, We wash our unsubstantial throats. Three merry ghosts—three merry ghosts— three merry ghosts are we: Let the ocean be port, and we’ll think it good sport To be laid in that red sea. With songs that jovial spectres chaunt, Our old refectory still we haunt. The traveller hears our midnight mirth: "O list!" he cries, "the haunted choir!" The merriest ghost that walks the earth, Is sure the ghost of a ghostly friar. Three merry ghosts—three merry ghosts— three merry ghosts are we: Let the ocean be port, and we’ll think it good sport To be laid in that red sea.  less