The internationally-acclaimed vocal ensemble VOCES8 performed for a full house at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu this past afternoon. The concert, which began at 3:00 p.m., brought the British group to the historic island venue as part of a broader tour that includes stops across the U.S. mainland and Asia.
The event was presented under the auspices of the Hawaii Chamber Music Festival. Organizers describe the festival as a premier summer series that connects world-renowned artists and emerging musicians with the local community through live performances.
The program opened with a performance of Mozart’s String Quintet No. 2 in C minor, K. 406/516b, featuring a collaborative ensemble of professional musicians and students, including Moni Simeonov, Jayden Kim, Yuseon Nam, Ethan Camp, and Sung Chan Chang.
A Performance of Sacred Works
Following the opening set, VOCES8 performed a program titled “Devotions,” a collection of sacred a cappella choral music. The repertoire included works by Orlando Gibbons, Benjamin Britten, Thomas Tallis, Arvo Pärt, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. The ensemble also featured pieces by contemporary composers such as Caroline Shaw and Kate Rusby, alongside traditional spirituals arranged by David Blackwell.
The performance was noted for the ensemble’s technical approach, specifically the singers’ ability to maintain a balanced blend while keeping their physical movements to a minimum. VOCES8, a 2026 Opus Klassik winner and 2023 Grammy-nominated group, is recognized for its extensive a cappella repertory and its emphasis on educational collaboration.
History of the Ensemble’s Touring
Previous performances by the ensemble have drawn attention to their demographic reach; in a prior concert at Cadogan Hall in London, director Barnaby Smith noted that a substantial portion of their audience consisted of women over 60. That specific event, which took place following a 2019 visit to the English village of Port Isaac, has served as a benchmark for the group’s international following.
Attendees at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu reported that the vocalists performed without a conductor, relying on synchronized breathing and cues to maintain their signature sound. The concert concluded with an encore performance of “Fly me to the moon” following an enthusiastic reception from the crowd.
Reflections on the Repertoire
The opening work, “O clap your hands” by Orlando Gibbons, was reportedly a staple for the church choir in years past. Other highlights included Arvo Pärt’s “The Deer’s Cry” and Caroline Shaw’s “and the swallow,” both of which were featured prominently in the afternoon’s setlist.
The ensemble’s visit to Hawaii represents a continuation of their global touring schedule, which balances high-profile classical concert appearances with educational outreach. As the group prepares for its upcoming dates in Asia, the performance remains a notable example of the Hawaii Chamber Music Festival’s mission to bring international vocal talent to island audiences.
