Early Music Vancouver (EMV), proudly presents one of the world’s preeminent vocal ensembles, The King’s Singers with their programme of Royal Blood: Music for Henry VIII, at theChan Centre for the Performing Arts, February 9, 2019 at 7:30pm. The concert, which is part of The King’s Singers’ 50th Anniversary season and North American tour, investigates King Henry VIII’s life and legacy with compositions from his turbulent court in the early 16th century. Royal Blood will feature works by King Henry VIII, William Byrd, Thomas Weelkes, Henry Purcell, Benjamin Britten, and more.
For their first-ever presentation by EMV, The King’s Singers will share an evening of mostly period music depicting life in Tudor England. King Henry VIII, renowned for his political acumen and celebrated for his intellect and love of music and the arts, presided over one of the most culturally rich courts of renaissance Europe. By delving into 16th and 17th century texts on the themes of death, health, and love, The King’s Singers will explore some of the drama that characterized life under the rule of one of England’s most intriguing and unpredictable monarchs.
Acclaimed for their life-affirming virtuosity and irresistible charm, The King’s Singers are in global demand. Their work—synonymous with the best in vocal ensemble performance — appeals to a vast international audience. What distinguished the group in its early years was its musical diversity. The King’s Singers were a weekly fixture on prime-time television, celebrating popular music never usually touched by choral ensembles. Their unique British charm, combined with their musical craft, captured audiences’ hearts the world over. The group has been consistently welcomed on the world’s great stages throughout its history—from London’s Royal Albert Hall to the Opera House in Sydney to New York’s Carnegie Hall — and they have served as ambassadors for musical excellence across the globe.
Today, the ensemble consists of star vocalists Patrick Dunachi, countertenor; Timothy Wayne-Wright, countertenor; Julian Gregory, tenor; Christopher Bruerton, baritone; Christopher Gabbitas, baritone; and Jonathan Howard, bass. The King’s Singers were nominated in early December for a GRAMMY Award for their three-disc 50th anniversary album GOLD in the Best Classical Compendium category, and won two previous GRAMMYs—Best Classical Crossover Album in 2008 for Simple Gifts and Best Choral Performance in 2011 for Light & Gold. The King’s Singers have also been honored with an Emmy Award, and inclusion in Gramophone Magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame, among numerous other accolades. The group is currently celebrating its anniversary season with a concert tour, commemorating the remarkable musical heritage of The King’s Singers and the bright future of vocal music in all its forms.
Early Music Vancouver Presents The King’s Singers – Royal Blood: Music for Henry VIII
Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 7:30pm
Pre-Concert Talk: Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 6:45pm with Matthew White
Address: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
University of British Columbia
6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z1
Ticket Prices: From $18.00
Website: earlymusic.bc.ca
Box Office: earlymusic.bc.ca or 604-822-2697
Photo by Marco Borggreve
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