Gothic Voices

Gothic Voices

Gothic Voices is an internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble renowned for its distinctive repertoire and the refined, pure, and spiritual interpretation of medieval music. Each member is a accomplished soloist, contributing significantly to the group's cohesive sound.

A Legacy of Medieval Music

Established twenty-five years ago by scholar and musician Christopher Page, Gothic Voices has enjoyed a remarkably successful and diverse career. The ensemble has introduced audiences worldwide to a wealth of unfamiliar music, primarily from the 11th to the 15th centuries. Their performances have graced prestigious venues across the globe, including grand cathedrals in Germany and Spain, medieval abbeys in France and Italy, theaters, concert halls, and even an unconventional setting like a shopping center in Ecuador. The group has undertaken extensive tours throughout Europe, Scandinavia, Israel, and both North and South America, receiving widespread critical praise.

Concert Series and Festival Appearances

In London, Gothic Voices has been a featured performer at the BBC Proms and the Spitalfields Festival, with regular appearances at the Wigmore Hall and the Southbank Centre. Within the United Kingdom, they have also performed at the Aldeburgh and Chester Festivals, the York and Birmingham Early Music Festivals, and the Edinburgh and Cheltenham International Festivals. Internationally, their performances include the Flanders and Utrecht Early Music Festivals, and the Vestfold Festival in Norway.

Discography and Critical Acclaim

Beyond their extensive concert schedule, Gothic Voices has released over twenty CDs. Three of these recordings have received Gramophone Magazine Awards. Their debut album, ‘A Feather on the Breath of God – Hymns and Sequences by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen,’ remains one of the best-selling recordings of pre-classical music ever produced.

Mission and Contemporary Engagement

Central to Gothic Voices' achievements is their dedication to bringing medieval music into contemporary consciousness. Through their exquisite performance style and thoughtfully curated programs that creatively utilize their vocal combinations, the singers have cultivated a devoted global following. Their commitment extends beyond historical repertoire; Gothic Voices actively commissions new works for their unique vocal ensemble. In 1997, they premiered a piece by Bayan Northcott at the Cheltenham Festival. A new commission by Andrew Keeling was scheduled for recording in early 2005 and was set to receive its premiere during a Slovenian tour in August of the same year. The ensemble has also participated in the ‘Homage to Gyorgy Ligeti’ series at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Future plans include continued collaborations with the Chilingirian String Quartet, presenting programs that juxtapose medieval music with works by composers such as Sir John Tavener and Igor Stravinsky.

Silver Jubilee and Artistic Vision

As Gothic Voices celebrates its silver jubilee with a series of concerts, the ensemble proudly reaffirms its mission: to perform medieval music with an authentic spirit, challenging the often-pejorative connotations of the term 'medieval' and showcasing the enduring beauty of this music.

For the most current information, please visit www.rayfieldartists.com/gothicvoices.html.