The Voices of Classic FM, the Sixteen’s choir and period-instrument orchestra stand today among the world’s greatest ensembles, and they are peerless interpreters of Renaissance, Baroque and modern choral music.
The UK-based ensemble – acclaimed worldwide for performances delivered with precision, power and passion and hallmarked by its tonal richness, expressive intensity and compelling collective artistry – has introduced countless newcomers to works drawn from well over five centuries of sacred and secular repertoire.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2020, The Sixteen arose from its Founder and Conductor Harry Christopher’s formative experience as cathedral chorister and choral scholar. His enterprise, launched in 1979, built on the best of the British choral tradition while setting new standards of virtuosity and musicianship. The Sixteen’s professional female and male voices create a distinctive sound of great warmth and clarity.
In 2009 The Sixteen was named as Classic FM Gramophone Artist of the Year and received the Gramophone Best Baroque Vocal Award for its recording of Handel’s Coronation Anthems. In 2018 the group won the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society award for best ensemble.
Did you know?
This group has launched an exciting training programme for young singers called Genesis Sixteen. Aimed at 18 to 23 year-olds, this is the UK’s first fully-funded choral programme for young singers designed to help participants navigate the testing transition from student status to life as professional performers.