VOCES8, a 2023 Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble, will perform on March 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the West Virginia University (WVU) Canady Creative Arts Center (CCAC) as part of the Canady Chamber Series.
The a cappella octet was formed in 2005 and has since performed at venues around the world, including the Sydney Opera House, Tokyo Opera City, NCPA Beijing, Berlin Philharmonic, Victoria Concert Hall Singapore and Palacio de Bellas Artes Mexico City. They’ve also collaborated in the studio with artists including Paul Simon, Rachel Podger, Jonathan Dove, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, England Chamber Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra.
In celebration of their 20th Anniversary, VOCES8 is performing in over 100 concerts across the globe, including their visit to WVU.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring an international ensemble like VOCES8 to our community,” said Jamie Whoolery, Assistant Dean of Production, Presentation, Operations and Cultural Engagement at the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media. “I'm sure everyone who gets to hear them in Morgantown will be moved by their breathtaking sound. For the vocal community, anyone who sings in their local church choir or spent time in a choir room growing up, this is a monumental opportunity to be inspired.”
VOCES8’s discography includes “Nightfall” and “To Sing of Love.” Andrea Haines, Blake Morgan, Eleonora Poignant, Euan Williamson, Katie Jeffries-Harris, Christopher Moore, Barnaby Smith and Dominic Carver have unique voices that blend to create a powerful, ethereal sound.
Along with their performances, VOCES8 is passionate about music education and will hold two masterclasses in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre on February 28 that are free and open to the public. The Composition Masterclass will take place from 1-2:30 p.m., where VOCES8 will review new choral works written by WVU School of Music composition students. From 3-4:30 p.m., VOCES8 will conduct a masterclass with the WVU Chamber Singers as they take the group through warm-ups, exercises and rehearsal for a piece to be performed together during the concert.
“A key component of the Canady Chamber Series is that the artists must be willing to work with our students during their time on campus, and VOCES8 has graciously agreed to fully embrace that part of the mission,” Whoolery said. “Having the opportunity to hear your music sung by artists of this caliber and receive their direct feedback on your work is an invaluable part of the learning process.”
Tickets for the VOCES8 performance are $20, with discounts available for child, senior and group tickets. For more information, visit go.wvu.edu/ccam-tickets.