Voces8, a world-class British choral group, showcased their immense talent once again during their annual concert at Eastern Mennonite High School (EMHS). Singing a combination of traditional choral songs and more modern arrangements, Voces8 seeks to spread their love of choral music through their concerts and outreach programs.
The general stereotype of a vocal group, especially one that does not spend all its time on funky acapella music, is tight-laced and overly serious. Voces8 finds the perfect medium of expression for each song and gives it the proper emotion it deserves. During songs such as “In Beauty May I Walk,” they allow it the reverence it deserves. However, they are not afraid to move and play when the music calls for it — such as when singing an arrangement of “Homeward Bound” by Simon and Garfunkel, when the group is lively. It is apparent the group enjoys each other, the music, and performing for the audience.
Voces8 communicates visually with the audience just as much as they do vocally. They allow the music to guide how they act, not just how they sing, and it enables them to have a greater connection with those they are singing for. When singing a more jazz-inspired piece, one of the basses steps out and mimes playing an actual upright-bass in time with his bass line. They allow for the inherent playful, fun nature of the songs to come out and be visible.
Choral education is an important factor for the group, and they take great lengths to ensure the crowd understands what we are listening to. Every one or two songs, a member of Voces8 steps out and details the background or any factors they find important about upcoming works. They want to ensure the audience understands the importance behind these works such as when, before a series of madrigals by Monteverdi known at the Sestina Madrigals, Voces8 took the time to explain the history and emotion behind the conception of the works.
The emphasis the group has on education plays a role in their song selection. William Byrd, Monteverdi, Simon and Garfunkel, and even folk songs such as “Shenandoah” are carefully chosen to show the heritage of choral music and some more modern interpretations. Voces8 showcases the importance and need for appreciating both types of choral music.
This is the ninth year Voces8 has come to the Valley — EMHS in particular — and they do not seem inclined to stop. Working within this community for so long, a place Voces8 members have fondly called “a home away from home,” has allowed them to build relationships with the local high school choir through workshops, as well as with the community at large through concerts.
When next year rolls around, whether you know you enjoy choral music or not, watch out for the return of Voces8 to Harrisonburg, Va. Their work is an opportunity not to be missed.
