The Sixteen

The music we are highlighting (and listening to) in April is The Sixteen.

The Sixteen is one of the world’s most renowned and respected vocal ensembles, specializing in early music, particularly Renaissance and Baroque choral works. Founded in 1979 by conductor and organist Harry Christophers, the group has established itself as a leading interpreter of early sacred music while also embracing contemporary compositions.

The ensemble takes its name from its core formation of 16 singers, though the actual number of performers can vary depending on the repertoire. The group is known for its pure, refined sound and precise interpretation of complex polyphonic works.

Under Harry Christophers’ leadership, The Sixteen has built an impressive discography of over 100 recordings on their own label, CORO, as well as earlier releases on labels including Hyperion and Virgin Classics. Their repertoire spans from early plainchant to modern compositions, with particular focus on Renaissance masters like Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, as well as Baroque composers such as J.S. Bach and Handel.

The Sixteen is perhaps best known for its annual “The Choral Pilgrimage” concert tour, begun in 2000, which brings sacred choral music to historic churches and cathedrals throughout the United Kingdom, performing in the spaces for which much of this music was originally composed.

The ensemble has received numerous awards, including Gramophone Awards and the Classic FM Gramophone Artist of the Year Award. They have also established an education program called “Genesis Sixteen,” providing training for young singers at the start of their professional careers.

The Sixteen continues to perform worldwide, maintaining its position as one of the most significant interpreters of both early and contemporary choral music.