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Polyphony (choir)

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Polyphony
Choir
OriginKing's College, United Kingdom
Founded1986
GenreChoral
Chief conductorStephen Layton
Websitewww.polyphony.co.uk

Polyphony is a small English choir formed by Stephen Layton for one particular concert put on in King's College, Cambridge in 1986. They have released many critically acclaimed recordings, the most recent of which is Esenvalds - Passion & Resurrection. They record and perform a wide range of music mainly on Hyperion Records. Every year they perform Handel's Messiah and Bach's St John Passion in St John's Smith Square to sell-out audiences. Many of their recordings have been Gramophone editor's choice.

Including many talented musicians such as Tom Williams (English counter tenor), Polyphony have performed many times in the BBC Proms and performed works by John Tavener on his 60th Birthday in the Barbican as part of its Great Performers series. They have also premiered and released prominent recordings of the music of Arvo Pärt.

Stephen Layton

The director of Polyphony, Stephen Layton founded the choir in 1986 and has directed it since. He is also the director of the choir of Trinity College, Cambridge.

Recordings

  • Bruckner: Mass in E Minor and Motets
  • Whitacre: Cloudburst and other Choral Works
  • A Christmas Present from Polyphony
  • O Magnum Mysterium
  • Lauridsen: Nocturnes
  • Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna
  • Part: Triodion
  • Jackson: Not No Faceless Angel
  • Tavener: Choral Works
  • Rutter: Music for Christmas
  • Rutter: Requiem
  • Britten: Sacred and Profane
  • Esenvalds: Passion and Resurrection