Apollo5 – Haven

A collection of pieces old and new, with repertoire spanning four centuries and with six tracks commissioned especially for the album, Haven is centred around William Byrd’s Mass For Five Voices. Interspersed with this Mass setting is the opulent polyphony of Renaissance composer Philippe de Monte (also Byrd’s religious confidant), a twentieth-century spiritual by the “Dean of Black Women Composers” Undine Smith Moore, and new works and arrangements written for the group by Paul Smith, Anna Kuzina-Rozhdestvenskaya and Apollo5 soprano Penelope Appleyard.

HAVEN

Kyrie from Mass for Five Voices – William Byrd

Heaven-Haven – Paul Smith

Gloria from Mass for Five Voices – William Byrd

Voce mea ad Dominum clamavi – Philippe de Monte

Sonnet 81 – Taylor Scott Davis

Credo from Mass for Five Voices – William Byrd

We Shall Walk Through The Valley – spiritual arr. Undine Smith Moore

Life-giving Spring – Victoria Poleva

Easter Stikhere – Victoria Poleva

Sanctus & Benedictus from Mass for Five Voices – William Byrd

Northern Lights – Ola Gjeilo

O Pia Virgo – Michael McGlynn

Agnus Dei from Mass for Five Voices – William Byrd

Angel – Sarah McLachlan arr. Penny Appleyard for Apollo5

Wayfaring Stranger – trad. arr. Paul Smith for Apollo5

Homeward Bound – Marta Keen arr. Paul Smith for Apollo5

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“One-to-a-part performances of repertoire spanning nine centuries no less. An inspired programme, superbly sung throughout.” BBC Music Magazine

Praised for their powerful singing and distinctive sound, the award-winning British vocal ensemble Apollo5 proves how dynamic only five voices can be. With such small forces they are able to showcase each individual voice while still achieving their critically acclaimed blend.

Comprising a soprano, mezzo-soprano, two tenors and a bass, the ensemble – which takes its name from the ancient Greek god of music – has become known for its rich, dynamic sound, demonstrating how powerful five voices alone can be. With a versatile approach to music programming, and a repertoire spanning renaissance, classical and contemporary choral works to folk, jazz and pop, the group’s five voices bring the music of five centuries to life.

During its 13-year career, Apollo5 has delivered an ambitious education programme and accumulated a busy touring schedule that has taken the group to many European countries, the USA and Asia. In addition to performing at prestigious UK venues such as the Barbican Centre, the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena, St John’s Smith Square and St Martin-in-the-Fields, the group has toured extensively across Belgium, Germany and France. 2023/24 concert highlights include appearances at European festivals such as La Folle Journée and Festival Automne Musiq3, debuts at London’s Wigmore Hall and Philharmonie Luxembourg, and tours to the USA.

The group is signed to Voces8 Records and has released a number of critically acclaimed albums under this label.

“Exceptionally beautiful singing” Classic FM