Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Edward Elgar's compositions as the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra present a series of unforgettable performances. From the deeply emotional 'Cello Concerto' to the grandiose 'Enigma Variations', this season commemorates the rich legacy of Elgar and other British music titans, including the ethereal works of Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Elgar's Legacy Shines in a Stellar Season of Concerts

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of Eric Whitacre's compositions. From the world premiere of 'The Gift of the Magi' alongside DCINY at Carnegie Hall in New York City to The Sixteen's ethereal Christmas performances in various locations, and the mesmerizing 'Taking Flight' concert by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with Anne Akiko Meyers, there's something for every classical music lover to enjoy.

Experience the Magic of Eric Whitacre in New York and Beyond

Experience the magic of the holidays and beyond with The Sixteen's 'The Sixteen at Christmas' in Basingstoke and New York City, Ryan Person's choral excellence at Carnegie Hall, and the innovative orchestral performances by The Knights in New York City. Featuring the remarkable works of Reena Esmail, these events promise unforgettable evenings filled with beauty, wonder, and exceptional artistry.

Celebrate the Season with Musical Masterpieces in Basingstoke, NYC, and More

Experience the magic of Christmas with The Sixteen, a renowned choral ensemble bringing festive joy through enchanting performances in iconic venues. With events spanning from medieval carols to modern masterpieces, this Christmas season promises to be a celebration of music and mystery. From the timeless 'Messiah' in London to the heartwarming 'A Mother’s Love' in Amsterdam, join us as we delve into the compelling performances orchestrated by the skilled conductor Harry Christophers, and prepare to be enveloped in the harmonious spirit of the season.

Harmonies of the Season: Exploring The Sixteen's Yuletide Concerts

Our 2024 Christmas programme celebrates the Mother of Christmas, with works that range from traditional carols and hymns to Mary, to impressive contemporary works and a new commission by Sixteen alto Kim Porter.

A Mother’s Love: Amsterdam

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ

Municipal Theater Nijmegen

Composed in a staggering twenty-four days Messiah was first performed in Dublin in 1742 where it received a rapturous welcome. Not so the following year when it premiered in London to a distinctly hostile reception. It wasn’t until Messiah began to be presented in charity performances at the Foundling Hospital in London that the public started to embrace the work we now regard as Handel’s greatest composition.

Handel’s Messiah: London

St Martin-in-the-Fields

Christmas is a time for families and old friends – for well-loved tunes and good cheer. But it's also a time of mystery and wonder: of silent nights, and sounds that echo across centuries.

The Sixteen

The Anvil

Christmas is a time for families and old friends – for well-loved tunes and good cheer. But it’s also a time of mystery and wonder: of silent nights, and sounds that echo across centuries. We’re delighted to be back at The Apex this Yuletide for two nights of beauty, wonder and seasonal joy. From medieval carols to visionary modern masterpieces, it all takes its inspiration from the story at the heart of the season: a baby in a stable, surrounded by simply heavenly singing.

EPSG:4326

The Sixteen at Christmas

St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

The Shops at Columbus Circle

Whilst coming from very different eras, William Byrd and Arvo Pärt are both considered masters of sacred music despite having faced considerable persecution for their work. This programme presents six of William Byrd’s works from the Cantiones Sacrae including the monumental Tribue, Domine, and the mighty eight-voice motet Ad Dominum cum tribularer. The three works by Arvo Pärt speak in his unmistakable voice, with its unique blend of ancient and modern, and include his mesmerising Nunc dimittis which is crafted in his bell-like ‘tinitinnabuli’ style.

The Deer’s Cry: Dallas

Highland Park United Methodist Church

Famed for its thrilling rhythms, grand choruses and beautiful solo movements, conductor Harry Christophers says ‘the Vespers is quite simply one of the greatest pieces of sacred music ever written, mixing profound expression with unfailing musical beauty. We will follow Monteverdi’s dictum recitar cantando – speak through singing – to maximum effect, bringing this glorious work to life for a 21st century audience’.

Monteverdi Vespers of 1610

The Bridgewater Hall

Saffron Hall

The spells are undone, the lovers are united. Now Oberon weaves a new enchantment; an entertainment without parallel under the starlit canopy of a summer night. Purcell’s The Fairy Queen is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but not remotely as you know it – there’s no Shakespeare, for a start! – and for Harry Christophers, it’s ‘undoubtedly Purcell’s greatest work for the London stage’.

The Fairy Queen: London

Cadogan Hall 

BBC Prom Choral Day: London

Royal Albert Hall

Come and join the fabulous Aga Serugo Lugo, vocalist, clarinettist, composer and workshop leader and a quartet of Genesis Sixteen alumni singers for our first ever Family Sing-a-long. Come and let your voices soar in a joyous workshop for all levels of singing ability, exploring feel-good music from around the world.

Sounds Sublime: Family Sing-a-long

St James's Piccadilly

Genesis Sixteen, now in its 13th year, remains a unique and pioneering training programme for the next generation of talented ensemble singers. In addition to high quality vocal training from conductor Harry Christophers and associate conductor Eamonn Dougan, and individual mentoring and one-per-part consort training with members of The Sixteen, participants also receive specialist training in vocal anatomy, nutrition for singers, business and performance skills from some of the industry’s top experts.

Sounds Sublime: Genesis Sixteen Showcase

At its heart, London Youth Choirs (LYC) is a family of 10 choirs for young people from school year 3 to age 23. Since their foundation in 2012 their citywide vision has always promised two things: musical excellence and social change. They work constantly to remove barriers to access to ensure that everyone can take part. In addition to rehearsals and performances, LYC runs regular workshops in schools in order to bring singing to as many young people as possible.

Sounds Sublime: London Youth Chamber Choir

Come and meet other young singers from across London in this fun and rewarding workshop exploring a diverse range of choral music. As well as working on a variety of repertoire, there will be the opportunity to perform for friends and family at the end of the afternoon. The workshop will be run by Nicholas Chalmers, Principal Conductor, National Youth Choir 18 – 25, Associate Conductor (learning) with BBC Singers, and incoming Head of Choral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music.

Sounds Sublime: Youth Come & Sing

Come and be wowed by some of London’s most vibrant youth choirs as primary school children from across the Capital join together in an afternoon of song. Featuring individual performances from choirs including London Youth Choir Junior Boys, Finchley Children’s Intermediate Choir, Wievenhoe Youth Choir and Blackheath Junior Choir, this collection of tomorrow’s voices will culminate in a joint performance of Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum. Celebrating freedom of expression and the music within each of us, this piece will be led by Nicholas Chalmers, Principal Conductor, National Youth Choir 18 – 25, Associate Conductor (learning) with BBC Singers, and incoming Head of Choral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music.

Sounds Sublime: Voices of Tomorrow

This workshop is part of Sounds Sublime Choral Festival, a special annual event curated by The Sixteen, showcasing the passion, joy and diversity of the human voice. This year’s festival celebrates the journey of young voices, from under 5’s and their very first experiences of singing, to the extraordinary talent and passion of our current Genesis Sixteen choir.

Sounds Sublime: Choral Tots

### 2024 Choral Workshop: Edinburgh - The Sixteen

**Date:** 15 June 2024  
**Time:** 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM  
**Venue:** Greyfriars Kirk, 1 Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ

**Overview:**
Join us for a unique and enriching experience at the 2024 Choral Workshop in Edinburgh, hosted by The Sixteen. This workshop offers keen amateur singers the rare opportunity to delve into a variety of choral music inspired by The Sixteen’s Choral Pilgrimage.

**Workshop Highlights:**
- **Guidance by Experts:** Under the expert direction of conductor Olivia Tait and Sixteen soprano Charlotte Mobbs.
- **Vocal Techniques:** Learn essential vocal and breathing techniques, invigorating warm-ups, and voice production.
- **Performance Interpretation:** Gain insights into performance interpretation and the historical context of the pieces.
- **Repertoire:** This year’s workshop focuses on the richly sensual choral music of Renaissance master Orlande de Lassus, including his motets, masses, and madrigals. Additionally, participants will explore new compositions inspired by Lassus and works by Maddalena Casulana, the first female composer to have a book of her works printed.

**Special Offer:**
- **Multibuy Discount:** Purchase a ticket for the corresponding Choral Pilgrimage concert in the same transaction and receive a £5 discount.

**Ticket Price:** £30.00  
**Duration:** 180 minutes

**Additional Information:**
- Music and supporting resources will be sent out at least one month before the workshop date.
- The workshop pieces are part of The Sixteen’s Choral Pilgrimage 2024: Masters of Imitation, celebrating the intricate and immediate resonance of Renaissance choral music.

**Booking:**
Secure your spot now and be part of this extraordinary musical journey. [Book now](#)

For more details about the venue, visit [Greyfriars Kirk](#).

Stay connected with The Sixteen by subscribing to our mailing list for monthly updates. Be a part of our mission to bring choral music to the widest and most diverse audience possible by donating today. [Donate Now](#)

2024 Choral Workshop

Croydon Minster

Greyfriars Kirk

Blackburn Cathedral

Hexham Abbey

Ripple Parish Hall

**Event Description: The Choral Pilgrimage 2024: Hexham**

**Date and Time:**
- 14 June 2024
- 7:30 PM

**Venue:**
- Hexham Abbey, Beaumont St, Hexham, NE46 3NB

**Overview:**
Join us for an enchanting evening at Hexham Abbey as part of The Choral Pilgrimage 2024. This year's theme, "Masters of Imitation," celebrates the art of musical parody and imitation, featuring the works of Renaissance master Orlande de Lassus, alongside compositions by Josquin, Casulana, and Bob Chilcott.

**Performance Details:**
- **Duration:** 105 minutes
- **Ticket Prices:** £10.00 - £30.00
- **Booking:** Tickets can be purchased online. A multibuy offer is available—buy a ticket for the corresponding Choral Pilgrimage Choral Workshop in the same transaction and get £5 off.

**Programme:**
- Plainsong: Lauda Jerusalem Dominum Psalm 147
- Lassus: Osculetur me osculo oris sui
- Casulana: Morir non puo il mio core
- Lassus: Credo from Missa Osculetur me
- Josquin: Benedicta es caelorum Regina
- Lassus: Cantai, or piango
- Lassus: Lauda Jerusalem Dominum
- Chatelet: Benedicta es caelorum Regina
- Lassus: Salve Regina a6
- Casulana: Vagh’ amorosi augelli
- Lassus: Magnificat Benedicta es caelorum Regina
- Bob Chilcott: Lauda Jerusalem Dominum parody on Lassus’ Cantai, or piango

**Performers:**
- The Sixteen
- Conductor: Harry Christophers

**Additional Information:**
Hexham Abbey offers a range of services to assist customers with access needs. Visit their website for more details.

**Stay Connected:**
Subscribe to The Sixteen's mailing list for monthly updates and be part of our mission to bring choral music to the widest and most diverse audience possible.

**Support Us:**
We rely on the generosity of our supporters to continue our work. Consider donating to help us bring more beautiful choral music to life.

**Venue Details:**
Hexham Abbey is a Grade I listed place of Christian worship dedicated to St Andrew, located in the town of Hexham, Northumberland. For more information, visit the venue's website or find it on Google Maps.

**Book Now:**
Secure your tickets for an unforgettable evening of choral music at Hexham Abbey.

The Sixteen

18 - 19 Dec, 2024

A Mother’s Love: Amsterdam

Dec 6, 2024

Handel’s Messiah: London

Articles & News

The Sixteen