Founded a decade ago by the vision of its artistic director Nigel Short and the generosity of Barbara
Pollock, Tenebrae is one of Great Britain’s leading chamber choirs. Adaptable to many spaces ranging
from concert halls to churches all the way through to the world’s largest Cathedrals, Tenebrae
enhanced by movement through the full scope of the performing space and is usually seen by
candlelight allowing each and every member of the audience to experience the power and intimacy
of the human voice.
The word ‘Tenebrae’ comes from the Latin word for ‘shadows’ and is also the name given to the
ritual extinguishing of candles at the ancient monastic services of Matins and Lauds in the last three
days of Holy Week.
Passion and Precision is Tenebrae’s motto and its members are drawn from musical backgrounds
King’s College, Cambridge. Many of Tenebrae’s singers also work with a diverse range of the UK’s
other leading specialist vocal ensembles including i Fagiolini , The Tallis Scholars, The Swingle Singers
and The King’s Singers.
