‘Winter Tales” was the title of this enjoyable concert from the very fine vocal octet Voces8, a programme of Christmas music old and new. The first half was devotional, the second more relaxed. The singers themselves introduced groups of pieces from the platform, and, as is often a feature of their programmes, genres and boundaries between classical and jazz were blurred and crossed.
Founded in 2005 by countertenor and artistic director, Barnaby Smith, and his baritone-composer-educationalist brother, Paul (now CEO), the eight-strong ensemble’s lineup has inevitably changed over the years. But the singing remains classy and impeccable, truly wonderful in its balance and focus.
