Every melody should carry its own color

Tugce Celik

Founded in 1968 at Cambridge University in England, The King's Singers gained fame for their a cappella (unaccompanied vocal) performances. With their meticulous polyphonic arrangements and on-stage harmonies, they have a wide repertoire spanning classical and pop music. They have performed in numerous venues around the world and have won Grammy and Emmy awards.

The group, with its new generation of members, will give its first concert at the Kadıköy Süreyya Opera House on September 18th as part of the 5th Istanbul International Chamber Music Festival. The ensemble, which will perform this year's closing concert, consists of countertenors Patrick Dunachie and Edward Button, tenor Julian Gregory, baritones Christopher Bruerton and Nick Ashby, and bassist Jonathan Howard.

The musicians shared their approaches to polyphonic music and their excitement for this special concert in Istanbul.

Vocal colors are ahead

For artists in polyphonic arrangements, the most crucial aspect is ensuring that each melodic line is audible. The band members summarize this approach as follows: “In polyphonic textures, we make sure that each melodic line can express its own unique flavor. When one vocal part begins a new phrase, the others sing it softer, allowing that line to stand out.”

Another point the ensemble emphasizes is that musical dynamics aren't limited to just volume. The musicians explain: “What's important to us is that no matter what dynamic we use, it's not just a matter of volume. The dynamics we use must be based on an emotion or a musical movement. That's why we often talk about 'vocal color,' not 'dynamics.'”

DEMOCRATIC REHEARSAL

The group rehearses without a conductor, operating as a completely democratic partnership: “We work as just six people; we don't have a single leader. Sometimes one or two people step out of the space and control the balance of power within the performance. But essentially, all our rehearsals take place within a democratic partnership. This method ensures everyone's involvement and commitment. This way, we benefit from the ideas and energy of six people, not just one.”

The King's Singers' biggest motivator is their sound: "We've all fallen in love with the distinctive sound of The King's Singers at some point in our lives. It's a great privilege to be a part of creating that sound. We also want to use our music to entertain, bring people together, and create art that does good in the world."