‘The King’s Choir has a long tradition of being one of the best ensembles in the world. I can’t wait to hear them in Princeton,” says Joe Miller, choral director of Westminster Choir College. His assessment sums up the response from the region’s vocal professionals.
The world-renowned King’s College Choir from Cambridge, England, appears at the Princeton Chapel on Monday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. The choir, under the directorship of Stephen Cleobury, consists of 30 singers: 16 choristers (aged nine to 13 years old) and 14 undergraduates and is considered Britain’s leading university chorus.
King’s Choir traces its tradition of singing back to 1441, when King Henry VI ordered its formation. Since that time the choir’s purpose has been to provide daily choral services in the university chapel. The choir also performs regularly at major concert halls throughout the world and has a highly respected discography that reflects a range of approaches and styles. Those recordings include period-instrument performances of Handel’s “Messiah,” modern choral works by Stravinsky and Gorecki, and commissioned works by contemporary composers.
“Everyone knows that King’s College Choir has a long and remarkable history. What is truly impressive is that they have been able to sustain the highest artistic standards throughout all of it. What a wonderful opportunity for the Princeton community to be able to hear them live,” says American Boychoir director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz.
That opinion is seconded by Christie Starrett, ABC’s general manager, “I have known about King’s College Choir since I was a young girl and have listened to numerous recordings, but I’ve never heard them in person. I can’t wait to experience the exquisite sound of this choir.”
For all devoted to choral music, the wait will soon be over.
King’s College Choir, Princeton University Chapel. Monday, April 8, 7:30 p.m. $25, $10 students. 609-258-9220 or www.princeton.edu/utickets.
