Monteverdi Choir

Through a combination of consummate technique, historically-inspired performance practice and a strong appreciation for visual impact, the Choir constantly strives to bring fresh perspectives, immediacy, and drama to its performances.

The Monteverdi Choir was proud to be named ‘Best Choir’ at the Oper! Awards in January 2024. The Oper! Awards jury noted that “at festivals, on concert tours and in their numerous recordings, this is an ensemble whose quality will always leave the listener speechless. The singers have long since gone beyond the realm of their namesake and opera (co-)inventor, having moved well into the 19th century. Whether Baroque, the Classical period or the Romantic era, their singing is always unerringly tailored to the specific stylistic requirements. Again and again they have proven that, in addition to religious introspection, they are also masters of the grand operatic gesture, astounding us in Berlioz’s ‘Les Troyens’.”

The Choir’s 2024 season opened with a spectacular tour to Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw in February and March. Over three mesmerising concerts conducted by its Associate Conductor Dinis Sousa, the Choir captivated audiences and critics, and the performances were met unanimously with 5-star reviews from the press, with Bachtrack calling them “truly one of the finest choirs of their time”. In March the Choir performed Handel’s Biblical oratorio Israel in Egypt with the English Baroque Soloists, conducted by Peter Whelan, in London and on a European tour, with The Observer commenting that “the choir took top honours: ever word audible, every note, even when roared, bang in tune.”

Over the coming months, the Monteverdi Choir will embark on a dynamic programme of performances. The Choir will be joining the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, conducted by Dinis Sousa, for performances of Beethoven’s Mass in C major and Symphony No. 9 at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London and the Philharmonie de Paris in May. In June, the Choir will perform Bach’s sacred motets in London and Leipzig; music which has been part of the Monteverdi Choir’s repertoire for over five decades, giving the choir the opportunity to display technical virtuosity as well as a deep understanding of texts.

In 2023 the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists, conducted by Dinis Sousa, performed Bach’s Mass in B minor and Handel’s pastoral ode L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, on an American tour in October following a European tour of Bach’s monumental work in April. In the summer the Monteverdi Choir, Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique and outstanding soloists, conducted by Dinis Sousa, performed Berlioz’s opera Les Troyens on a critically acclaimed European tour.

Founded in 1964 by Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the Monteverdi Choir has released over 150 recordings and won numerous prizes. The Choir and English Baroque Soloists were honoured to perform at the Coronation of their Patron, HM The King, in May 2023.

“If the Monteverdi Choir isn’t singing when I get to the gates of Heaven, I want my money back.”
The Daily Telegraph

“If there were a Nobel prize for choirs, the Monteverdi Choir should be its laureate”
Le Monde

“The Monteverdi Choir has dominated the choral scene worldwide for more than 50 years”
The Guardian ★★★★★