The King's Singers

A popular, English, acapella sextet who have their roots in Kings College (hence their name), The King's Singers have been well esteemed for decades following their inception in 1968. Although they frequently change members, the class and talent they possess is always consistent. It's sometimes hard for opera groups to find the right balance between different types of voices, but this is something that the current crop of King's Singers have no problem with. Two pairs of baritones and counter-tenors compliment each other with the addition of a bass and a tenor to form the perfect combination. The King's Singers are probably most popular in England for their performances at the BBC Proms, and in 2011 they put on a very admirable show indeed. They introduced themselves to the Royal Albert Hall with the song La Bell' Si Nous Étions by Francis Poulenc, a number where they took it in turns to be the lead singer whilst the other members accompanied with very short melodies underneath. It was an easy listening introduction for the crowd. Between songs, The King's Singers even played the role of storytellers, explaining the background of their various songs before beginning to sing.
Some personal highlights of mine were La Belle Se Sied Au Pied De La Tour, where David Hurley's first lead singer role of the night with possibly the most amazing and almost angelic voice I have ever heard. Also the song Pilons L'orge, which although only lasting for under a minute, is very quick tempoed and clearly very well rehearsed. The King's Singers are arguably the best opera acapella group that the UK has to offer, and the six of them singing together is simply fantastic and certainly not something to miss out on listening to.

Renaissance is a progressive rock band that hails from England. They have a very individual sound that is somewhat similar to that of Fleetwood Mac, but a little bit less mainstream. They combine male and female vocals in their songs, but they of course get ever so experimental with their sound too, with Annie Haslam dominating the sound waves with her enchanting voice, which she uses so well as an instrument too.

They’re back out on tour, making an impression on people who were her fans back in the day with their clever writing an virtuosity, playing through a mixture of songs such as “New Day” which still has a very memorable riff played on the guitar and then later paired with the keyboards before launching into the verse, lead by Haslam. “Can’t Ignore Me” is the song that makes this audience get up and party, making everyone have a good time. It’s such a great opportunity to see them play live if you get the chance.