Following one winter solstice as it unfolds across the Northern hemisphere, Echo Vocal Ensemble present songs from five continents, exploring the unique blend of folklore, religion, magic and tradition that midwinter brings.

Midwinter has always been a unique blend of folklore, religion, magic and tradition. Just as the legend of St Nick sees a figure travel across the globe in one evening, Echo Vocal Ensemble will whisk you around the world, following the night as it falls in each country. Alongside traditional carols, explore the magic of pieces by Poulenc, Britten and Rachmaninov and vocal music from Canada and Iceland, in a winter’s journey that transcends time and place.

Echo will be joined by some very special guests: Danny Sewagudde and Denis Muggaga, who make up the British-Ugandan duo Ganda Boys. The group is acclaimed for bringing a fresh sound to traditional Ugandan songs and chants with a combination of English and Lugandan lyrics, using both vocals and instruments like the adungu. Ganda Boys will be bringing their joyful brand of performance to the Kings Place stage as part of the programme’s journey around the Northern Hemisphere.

Alongside singing described as ‘sparkling, poised and powerful” (The Arts Desk), expect an evening full of musical surprises.

‘The sound experience was incredible – I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything like it’  Audience member, London

The performance will last approximately 2hrs including an interval.

About Echo

Echo is an acclaimed vocal ensemble that stemmed from the Genesis Sixteen Young Artist scheme. They made their St John’s Smith Square debut in 2017, and have since performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, as Ensemble-in-Residence at Ryedale Festival and live on BBC Radio 3.

The group has quickly developed a reputation for imaginative programming and multi-disciplinary collaborations, including with poet Roger McGough, composer James MacMillan, visual artist Polly Apfelbaum and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Echo aims to explore the full range of what ensemble singing can achieve, including improvisation and audience-immersive concert experiences, whilst achieving musical excellence at all times.

Most recently, Echo collaborated with director Tom Guthrie on a staged performance of Handel’s Messiah celebrating the history of the oratorio in Bath, and worked with young composers at the Royal College of Music to create new contemporary pieces for vocal ensemble. In 2022, Echo announced a multi-disk partnership with the award-winning label Delphian Records.