The King’s Singers Feb. 21

Renowned British a cappella group at 560 Music Center

The King’s Singers jump the pond Feb. 21. Hi-res image upon request. (Credit: © Benjamin Ealovega (3))

“The superlative vocal sextet.”
— The Times (London)

Since 1968, the United States has been represented by 28 secretaries of state. In that same period of time, only 25 vocalists have had the chops to call themselves King’s Singers.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, The King’s Singers — arguably Britain’s most celebrated vocal ensemble — will bring its peerless polyphony to Washington University in St. Louis.

The special, one-night-only concert is presented as part of the Edison Ovations Series and will take place in the university’s E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall. For more information, call 314-935-6543, e-mail edison@wustl.edu or visit edison.wustl.edu.


The King’s Singers are named for King’s College, Cambridge, where the original six members met as choral scholars. Acclaimed for their flawless intonation, impeccable timing and pitch-perfect vocal blend, the group boasts one of the widest repertoires — more than 2,000 pieces — in the musical world, ranging from Renaissance motets to jazz standards, Broadway gems and cutting-edge works by contemporary composers.

The current lineup features countertenors David Hurley, a member since 1990, and Timothy Wayne-Wright, who joined in 2009. Baritones are Christopher Gabbitas and Christopher Bruerton, members since 2004 and 2012, respectively. Bass is Jonathan Howard, who joined in 2010. Tenor Julian Gregory, the most recent addition, joined in 2014.

Over the years, The King’s Singers have premiered more than 200 new works, including important compositions by György Ligeti, John Tavener, Eric Whitacre and many others. Recent honors include Grammy Awards for “Simple Gifts” (2009) and for their contribution to Whitacre’s “Light & Gold” (2012).

In 2013, The King’s Singers were chosen as one of only two vocal ensembles to enter the Gramophone Hall of Fame, honored for their unique discography of over 150 albums.


Tickets and sponsors

The performance begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. The E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall is in Washington University’s 560 Music Center, located at 560 Trinity Ave., University City.

Tickets are $36, or $32 seniors, $28 for Washington University faculty and staff and $20 for students and children. Tickets are available at the Edison Box Office, located in the Mallinckrodt Center, 6465 Forsyth Blvd.

Edison programs are made possible with support from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency; the Regional Arts Commission, St. Louis; and private contributors.