Paul Smith’s “Winter Songs” at Curtis Institute of Music

Paul Smith, co-founder of VOCES8 and CEO of the VOCES8 Foundation, has written a new work called “Winter Songs” which gets its US premiere at the Curtis Institute of Music on February 23rd. Paul leads an interactive performance introducing tunes from around the world alongside soprano Olivia Smith and a string orchestra of Curtis musicians with “Winter Songs” in which audience and performers together explore music-making through singing and movement. Through his workshops, compositions and the VOCES8 Method, Paul’s work encourages confidence and creativity—with plenty of opportunities to make the music your own!

Winter Songs had its premiere at the VOCES8 Centre with Paul and Apollo5 earlier in the year.

Tickets and more info here.

Paul’s music is published with Edition Peters – check out his catalogue here.

VOCES8 new album “Enchanted Isle” released

VOCES8 has released its new album, “Enchanted Isle”. Casting a contemporary eye on the landscape they call home this mixed repertoire album contains music from composers including Sir John Tavener, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Thomas Adès, Samuel Barber, Jake Runestad, Toby Hession and Dan Forrest plus a selection of newly arranged folk songs from arrangers Jim Clements, Matt Sheeran, Geoff Lawson, Joshua Pacey and others. One featured soloist is the amazing voice of Sibéal singing Carrickfergus (video here).

Already at the top of classical charts on release day, Barney and Andrea appeared on the UK’s Sky News to talk about the release as well as the group’s ongoing education work based around the VOCES8 Method.

Further album videos are Enya’s “May it be” (filmed at the Gresham Centre) and Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song”

Buy from Amazon here or stream from Spotify here.

Paul Smith the 21st Century Musician

21CMposium talk online

During the 21CMposium at DePauw University last year Paul gave a demonstration of the VOCES8 Method, leading the audience in a series of impromptu performances. Through rhythmic exercises, improvisations and an interactive rendition of Fleet Foxes White Winter Hymnal, he revealed how the Method can make music education more inclusive and encouraging of personal creativity. Watch it here.

21CM.org is an online, professional resource created expressly to help serious musicians thrive, not just survive, in today’s modern musical landscape. The site combines a magazine focused on people, organizations, projects and innovations with live events and educational tools.

Paul’s website is at www.psv8.co.uk