Magesties of music
- Source: Global Times
- [11:34 June 24 2010]
- Comments
(From left) Paul Phoenix, Philip Lawson, Christopher Gabbitas, David Hurley, Stephen Connolly and Timothy Wayne- Wright. Photo: Courtesy of the King's Singers
By Yang Ruoyu
The King's Singers, one of the most famous a cappella groups in the world, are set to wow Shanghai audiences with their unique sound, varied repertoires, and blend of old and new.
The King's Singers have changed members many times since their foundation in 1965, but the sound remains the same.
With their "six voice" a cappella tunes, they have made themselves famous internationally.
At their Shanghai concert, the King's Singers will perform a variety of music styles, including rock, pop, folk, classical and anthems.
"It's a good thing to like all different kinds of music, because that's what we do in the King's Singers," Philip Lawson, a baritone in the group told the Global Times.
Their close harmony and varied repertoires have made the King's Singers extremely popular.
They record around three albums every year and have made over 150 albums in total.
Their version of "Simple Gifts" in 2008 went to No.1 on the iTunes crossover charts and was nominated for a Grammy in 2009.
Gramophone magazine praised them as an, "impeccably manicured vocal blend that enchants the ear from first to last note."
But as well as being popular, the King's Singers are also very busy, taking part in over 120 concerts every year.
This year, the group has already finished a coast-to-coast tour of America, then concerts in Europe and now to Asia.
The Shanghai Concert Hall is their first stop in China. In the past the group has commissioned works from great composers like Ned Rorem and John Tavener.
As a special treat this season, the King's Singers will be performing works from Lena Frank and Ivan Moody, among others.
"It's also wonderful to be singing in world-class concert halls to warm enthusiastic audiences in China," tenor Paul Phoenix said.
During their Shanghai concert they will present some specially arranged Chinese folk songs, hoping to make a sincere connection with their Shanghai audience.
Apart from being an international class act, the group also use their gifts to teach, occasionally playing host to workshops and classes to teach younger generations the wonders of the human voice in harmony.
Countertenor Timothy Wayne-Wright is new in the King's Singers and is one of the youngest singers on the team, next only to baritone Christopher Gabbitas.
But Wayne-Wright said that the older men in the group are perfectly relaxed with the new blood.
"Once we join, we are all equal in the group and even the newest and youngest are all treated with respect. Our ideas are listened to, and we all have influence over the running of the group. One of the best things about the way we work is that nobody is in charge, and our shared love of what we do keeps us all young."
Most of the active members idolized the King's Singers in their youth, so finally joining them was a dream come true.
As a loyal fan of the King's Singers, bass Stephen Connolly described his feelings upon being accepted into the group as, "the world turning upside-down."
Connolly will leave the group this year for personal reasons and thinks the concert in China will be one of his final shows.
"I know that my successor is experiencing the very same feelings I experienced 23 years ago. He will start with the group in October and is incredibly excited about his future with the group. I believe the King's Singers will always be the best," he said.
Date: Tomorrow, 7:30 pm
Avenue: Shanghai Concert Hall 上海音乐厅
Address: 523 Yan'an Road East 延安东路523号
Tickets: 100 to 580 yuan
Call 6386-2836 for details
