This is not just choral art at the highest level, but a kind of musical miracle.

– Hamburger Abendblatt 2024

Described as “phenomenal” (The Times) and “devastatingly beautiful” (Gramophone Magazine), award-winning choir Tenebrae is one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles, renowned for its passion and precision.

For purity and precision of tone, and flawless intonation, Nigel Short’s chamber choir Tenebrae is pretty much unbeatable.

– The Times 2010

Under the direction of Nigel Short, Tenebrae performs at major festivals and venues across the globe, including the BBC Proms, Wigmore Hall, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Rheingau Musik Festival and Sydney Festival. The choir has earned international acclaim for its interpretations of choral music from the Renaissance through to contemporary masterpieces, and has commissioned new music from composers including Judith Bingham, Joanna Marsh, Owain Park, Josephine Stephenson, Joby Talbot and Roderick Williams.

In my very humble opinion Tenebrae is one of the world’s best choirs – extraordinary singing and music making. If you are a composer, having your music brought to life with this level of sensitivity and musical intelligence is a dream come true.

– Eric Whitacre 2024

Tenebrae has enjoyed collaborations with some of the UK’s leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, Aurora Orchestra, the Academy of Ancient Music and Britten Sinfonia. The choir also undertakes regular session work, having contributed the vocals for Max Richter’s Voices (2020), Jean-Jacques Annaud’s Notre Dame brûle (2022), and blockbuster sci-fi movie Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) among others. Its extensive recording catalogue comprises a wide range of music on labels including Signum, LSO Live and Warner Classics, and has earned the choir three BBC Music Magazine Choral Awards, a BBC Music Magazine Record of the Year Award, an Edison Classical Award, an Opus Klassik Award, a German Critics’ Award, and a Grammy nomination.

Signum’s current roster includes many excellent ensembles but the choral jewel in the crown is surely Tenebrae – Nigel Short’s outstanding chamber choir.

– Gramophone Magazine 2016

Alongside its performance schedule, the choir runs a thriving Learning & Connection programme encompassing activities with London Youth Choirs, Tenebrae Effect workshops with amateur choirs, and Tenebrae Schools. In partnership with Ealing Music Service, this programme aims to embed a long-lasting culture of singing activities in local primary schools which might otherwise face barriers to music-making. Through its Associate Artists programme, Tenebrae also provides talented young professional singers with vital experience and support in the early stages of their careers.

Singing of well-tuned perfection.

– The Guardian 2024

‘Passion and Precision’ are Tenebrae’s core values. Through its continued dedication to performance of the highest quality, Tenebrae’s vision is to inspire audiences around the world through dramatic programming, flawless performances and unforgettable experiences.

Tenebrae’s reputation for ‘passion and precision’ is richly deserved. Their flawless intonation, ensemble cohesion, dynamic power and unwavering commitment to engaging, communicative and persuasive performance are all truly phenomenal. Full marks from me.

– Edinburgh Music Review 2024