”After The Tallis Scholars’ debut in Budapest, a young man introduced himself to Sally and myself, and gave us a CD made by his own group: a common enough occurence. And yet, back in London the next day, we instantly realised what a rare gift this had been. Enthralled by the sonority and the justness of the tuning and ensemble, by the thoughtfulness and reverence with which this young group, Banchieri Singers, approached the music, I wrote to them to express my admiration.

 

In fact the singing was so exciting and accomplished that, when they replied by inviting us to give a week long masterclass in Nyíregyháza, I was a little apprehensive; what could we offer such talented people? Well, now that we have visited Nyíregyháza twice, my doubts have evaporated. For we found there a group of 6 young, intelligent, energetic people; each one an accomplished singer, yet appreciative of the fact that in this music, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This is the ideal group with whom to study the music, the text, to uncover the mind and intent of composer and poet - for in this music, I believe, everything is accessible to anyone who is willing to search for it.

 

So together we listened through the keyhole, with Gesualdo, to the breathless urgency of the lovers’ gasps (Sospirava il mio core); we pondered with Mundy (Were I A King) whether high or low birth is preferable, or even death; and we heard in the desert a solitary inconsolable wail, that of Rachel weeping for her dead children. (Vox in Rama) We studied the music, yes, but we also laughed and talked, ate and drank together, were enfolded in deepening friendship, and this gave us courage to experiment, to trust each other, and a sharpened awareness of each others presence, all essential to consort singing.

 

In short, the two weeks were wonderful, thrilling. Just listen to the vibrancy and vitality of these performances, and I think you will understand my excitement.”

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FRANCIS STEELE
former member of The Tallis Scholars, The Sixteen, 2002

 

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​”The performances of the group always means tense musical experience. Their exceptionally clear intonation, equalised sound, wide dynamical, expressive, often humorous performance makes their show entertaining and diversified.”​

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DÉNES SZABÓ

conductor and director of Cantemus Choir & Institue, Nyíregyháza, 1998

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​”I have been keeping track of the activity of Banchieri Singers since their formation. Their musicality, sensivity to compositions, and stylistic confidence from Renaissance choral works to contemporaray music aroused my attention at the very beginning. These most important characteristics have been improving and refining year by year. Their values are accompanied by the joy and ease of singing which characterizes only the best…“

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MIKLÓS KOCSÁR 
composer

 

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”A week’s course with the Banchieri Singers turned out to be a lively affair. Their vivacity and sense of humour were always present, and they radiated so much energy that I was never tired - at least until the end of the week, which culminated in a concert at which the whole town seemed to be willing them on to success a quite memorable evening!

 

Their common background of the Kodály system has stood them in good stead: they listen well and like to make music, not just singers noises. I saw it as my task to encourage this musicianly approach, and to give them some hints on how to make the sounds they wanted without distorting their bodies and voices in the process. We also thought about the interpretation of different styles of music, and about what I can best describe as “orchestration”: when a full group sound is required, or when some voices need to stand out while others melt into the background: how to create a string sound, a double bass or bass guitar or whatever, achieving the maximum effect with the minimum effort.

 

They learned quickly, as young, intelligent people always do; and their concerts will always give a great deal of pleasure too many people.”

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ALASTAIR THOMPSON
former member of the King's Singers, 1997