The internationally acclaimed Black Voices, an a cappella quintet of truly outstanding quality with graceful harmonies and gorgeous tones, have been wowing audiences all over the world for more than 25 years with their unique repertoire of music and performance, return to Australia for shows in October and November.
It is their unique and joyous sound that has seen Black Voices tour the world, sharing stages with greats like Ray Charles, Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba, Take 6 and Wynton Marsalis as well as entertain Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the British Royal Family.
The quintet made their Australian debut in 1999 as part of the Melbourne Festival directed by Sue Nattrass, playing to sell-out crowds. Due to popular demand and repeated requests, Black Voices returned to Australia in 2001 and 2007. Now they return in 2014 and look forward to presenting their new show to Australian audiences.
Their stunning performances and distinctive brand of a cappella is a truly harmonic blend that celebrates their rich African, Caribbean and British heritage with the beautiful ability to cross language and cultural barriers.
Black Voices have been critically acclaimed around the world and we’re thrilled that Australian audiences will get the chance to experience what the Los Angeles Times called a “substantial reminder that amid the crafted din and amplified clutter of modern pop, unaided, unadorned human voices are capable of creating powerful music,” and the South China Morning Post hailed as “electrifying, finger-clicking gospel and impossible to resist!”
England’s finest a cappella female quintet, Black Voices perform songs which they describe as “a carefully woven tapestry” covering a broad spectrum of musical styles and continually adding new threads of colour to their rich fabric of oral music.
Ranging from the vocal traditions of Africa to modern arrangements, from spirituals to gospel, African to Caribbean, blues and jazz, folk, pop and reggae, Black Voices is firmly rooted in music that energises and uplifts, challenges and educates.
Founder and Black Voices’ Music Director Carol Pemberton is thrilled to be bringing their unique sound back to Australia. “I can’t wait to perform again for Australian audiences,” said Carol. “We were last in Australia in 2007 where we played to some of the most receptive audiences of our career.” In 2014 Carol was awarded an MBE for her services to music.
Black Voices’ upcoming Australian tour will feature a wide-ranging popular, contemporary and traditional repertoire using only their voices to create an unforgettable performance of rare emotional depth and passion.
Black Voices
Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Performance: Thursday 30 October 2014 – 7.30pm
Information and bookings: www.melbournerecital.com.au
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Grote Street, Adelaide
Performance: Friday 31 October 2014 – 7.30pm
Information and bookings: www.bass.net.au
City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney
Performance: Sunday 2 November 2014 – 3.00pm
Information and bookings: www.cityrecitalhall.com
For more information about Black Voices, visit: www.blackvoices.co.uk for details.
Image: Black Voices – photo by Simeon Thaw