The BBC Singers

The BBC Singers are a British choral ensemble based in London, England, and are one of the BBC's five performing groups. The choir was founded in 1924 by Adrian Boult and has since performed with numerous renowned conductors, including Ralph Vaughan Williams, William Walton, and Benjamin Britten. They have also collaborated with other prominent ensembles, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The choir's performances are often broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and have been featured in various BBC Proms concerts, including those at the Royal Albert Hall.

History

The BBC Singers were established in 1924 as a professional choir for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), with Adrian Boult as their first conductor. During their early years, they performed under the baton of notable conductors, including Constant Lambert and Edward Clark. The choir has also been associated with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and has performed with them in numerous concerts, including those conducted by Arturo Toscanini and Otto Klemperer. In addition to their work with the BBC, the choir has collaborated with other prominent orchestras, such as the Philharmonia Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra. They have also performed at various music festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival and the Aldeburgh Festival, which was founded by Benjamin Britten.

Membership and Organisation

The BBC Singers consist of approximately 30 professional singers, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The choir is led by a conductor, who is responsible for their artistic direction, and is currently directed by David Hill. The choir's members are also involved in various other musical activities, including solo performances and work with other ensembles, such as the Monteverdi Choir and the Tallis Scholars. The choir is managed by the BBC and is based at the BBC Maida Vale Studios in London. They often perform with other BBC ensembles, including the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and have collaborated with conductors such as Charles Mackerras and Andrew Davis.

Repertoire and Performances

The BBC Singers have a diverse repertoire, which includes works by William Byrd, Henry Purcell, and George Frideric Handel, as well as contemporary composers, such as James MacMillan and Thomas Adès. They have performed in numerous concerts and festivals, including the BBC Proms and the London Handel Festival. The choir has also premiered works by prominent composers, including Michael Tippett and Harrison Birtwistle. In addition to their classical performances, the choir has also been involved in various crossover projects, collaborating with artists such as Karl Jenkins and John Rutter. They have also performed with other notable ensembles, including the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the English Concert.

Discography

The BBC Singers have an extensive discography, with recordings on labels such as Hyperion Records, Naxos Records, and Chandos Records. Their recordings include works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven, as well as contemporary composers, such as Arvo Pärt and John Tavener. The choir has also recorded music for various BBC television and radio productions, including Doctor Who and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. They have collaborated with other notable ensembles, including the London Sinfonietta and the Britten Sinfonia, and have worked with conductors such as Simon Rattle and Mark Elder.

Notable Conductors

The BBC Singers have worked with numerous notable conductors throughout their history, including Ralph Vaughan Williams, William Walton, and Benjamin Britten. Other prominent conductors who have worked with the choir include Pierre Boulez, Simon Rattle, and Mark Elder. The choir has also been directed by David Willcocks, who was their principal conductor from 1957 to 1974, and John Poole, who led the choir from 1974 to 1989. More recently, the choir has been conducted by Stephen Cleobury and David Hill, who have both led the ensemble in numerous performances and recordings, including collaborations with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.