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| Anuna (choir) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Anuna |
| Background | group_or_band |
| Origin | Dublin, Republic of Ireland |
| Genre | Choral music, Early music, Classical music |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Label | Decca Records, Universal Music Group, Naxos Records |
Anuna (choir) is an Irish chamber choir founded in 1987 in Dublin by Michael McGlynn. The ensemble is noted for performances of Gregorian chant, medieval music, and contemporary commissions, combining liturgical repertoire with contemporary compositions and arrangements. Anúna has recorded extensively, toured internationally, and collaborated with artists across genres, gaining recognition in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Anuna was established in 1987 by Michael McGlynn following studies at Trinity College Dublin and influences from ensembles including The Tallis Scholars, The Hilliard Ensemble, Alfred Deller, King's College Choir, Cambridge, and Monteverdi Choir. Early seasons focused on Irish medieval manuscripts such as the Book of Kells and Leabhar Breac, and liturgical repertory associated with St. Patrick, Armagh, and monastic houses like Clonmacnoise and Glendalough. The group’s breakthrough came after associations with Riverdance, Enya, and television producers from BBC Television, leading to tours in United Kingdom, United States, and festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and BBC Proms. Over time Anuna has combined historical research with contemporary commissions from composers linked to institutions such as Royal Academy of Music, Royal Irish Academy of Music, and National Concert Hall (Dublin).
Anuna comprises professional and semi-professional singers drawn from conservatoires including Royal College of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Dublin Institute of Technology, and choirs like Cappella Nova and Irish National Opera Chorus. Conducted and directed by Michael McGlynn, the ensemble emphasizes modal tuning, open-interval sonorities, and extended vocal techniques paralleling work by Arvo Pärt, Ola Gjeilo, John Tavener, Eric Whitacre, and Thomas Tallis. The lineup varies from chamber quintets to full chamber choir forces, blending soloists and ensemble textures reminiscent of Gothic and Renaissance practice while integrating contemporary dynamics associated with Contemporary classical music and world-music practitioners such as Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon.
Anuna’s repertoire spans Gregorian chant, Gaelic psalmody, medieval chant from sources like the Liber Hymnorum, Renaissance motets by Orlando di Lasso and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and contemporary works by Michael McGlynn, Cecilia McDowall, James MacMillan, and Karl Jenkins. Notable recordings include albums on Decca Records and Naxos Records featuring arrangements of Irish folk music alongside commissions; these discs have been reviewed in publications such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and Gramophone (magazine). Collaborations with producers tied to Riverdance (show), BBC Radiophonic Workshop, and labels like EMI Records expanded their catalogue, with crossover tracks receiving airplay on BBC Radio 3, RTÉ and NPR.
Anuna has toured extensively across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, appearing at venues and festivals including Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, Wembley Arena, Royal Albert Hall, and events such as the Edinburgh International Festival, Dublin International Festival, and World Choir Games. The ensemble has performed liturgical reconstructions at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, concerts at Wells Cathedral, and special projects in collaboration with institutions like Trinity College, Cambridge and University College Dublin. Tours often feature programs combining medieval sources, contemporary commissions, and arrangements of Irish traditional music.
Anuna has received critical acclaim and awards from bodies such as the Irish Times critics, nominations in the Grammy Awards sphere via collaborators, and recognition from cultural institutions including the Arts Council of Ireland and Culture Ireland. Reviews in The Guardian, The Independent, and The New York Times have highlighted their innovative programming and vocal clarity. The choir’s recordings have appeared on year-end lists from BBC Music Magazine, Gramophone (magazine), and industry charts compiled by Official Charts Company.
Anuna has collaborated with notable figures and groups including Riverdance (show), Enya, Bono, The Chieftains, Peter Gabriel, Michael Flatley, and composers such as Karl Jenkins and James MacMillan. Media appearances include features on BBC Television, RTÉ Television, PBS, and soundtrack contributions for films and documentaries produced by studios and broadcasters like Universal Pictures, BBC Films, and Channel 4. The ensemble has also worked with choreographers from companies like Riverdance (show), audiovisual artists associated with BBC Radiophonic Workshop, and educational projects with institutions such as National University of Ireland and Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Category:Irish choirs Category:Chamber choirs