About Us
Inspiring audiences with passionate performances.
Critically acclaimed choir and instrumental ensemble Armonico Consort entertains audiences across the country with its high quality concerts, outstanding recordings and innovative projects. Drawing on the passions of forward-thinking founder and artistic director Christopher Monks, our professional singers and musicians perform inspiring programmes, spanning the Baroque to the present day.
Central to Armonico Consort is our education programme AC Academy, which reaches 15,000 children a year across the UK through its in-school Choir Creation Scheme and after-school AC Academy Choirs in partnership with music hubs nationwide.
The legacy of a choir that lasts forever
AC Academy is Armonico Consort’s extensive and imaginative singing education programme, which reaches 15,000 young people a year offering life-changing experiences and first-class performance opportunities through fun and engaging singing projects.
The charity develops and supports choirs and choir leaders across the UK through its in-school Choir Creation Scheme, after school AC Academy Choirs and SEN projects, in partnership with music hubs nationwide and in collaboration with venues such as the Royal Albert Hall.
By 2020, we aim to create 300 children’s choirs and 300 choir leaders leaving a singing legacy across the country.
Armonico's workplace choir scheme
There’s never been a better time to invest in the health and happiness of your workforce.
There is strong scientific evidence that singing helps reduce stress and improves mental and physical well-being. Our research shows it boosts productivity too.
Voice Squad is Armonico Consort’s workplace choir scheme which brings employees from across the business together in a social and fun activity to help create a happier, more productive, workforce.
Find out more about Voice Squad half-day workshops and longer term choir creation.
What's On
Land of Pope & Glory Tour
Land of Pope & Glory: 28/09/2019 - 23/11/2019
A musical evening capturing the enchanted journey through the extraordinary history of the Papacy – trekking through tales of greatness and intellect, whilst stumbling upon Papal times the church would prefer long forgotten. Fascinating tales of incredible leadership and faithfulness are balanced with those that are as hilariously absurd as they are shocking! Featuring groups
The King’s Singers featuring AC Academy Singers
The King's Singers featuring AC Academy Singers & Voice Squad Choirs: 10/10/2019 - 11/10/2019
In the first project of its type, AC Academy have teamed up with the world’s most famous vocal group, The King’s Singers. Acclaimed for their life-affirming virtuosity and irresistible charm, the group are in global demand having accumulated many glowing reviews from the world’s great musical publications, two Grammy® Awards, an Emmy® Award, and a
Intimate Evenings With Armonico – Handelian Pyrotechnics
Intimate Evenings With Armonico - Handelian Pyrotechnics: 03/11/2019 - 03/11/2019
Countertenor William Towers pulls a few crackers from Handel’s operatic works. Drawing upon his many years of performing these roles and drawing a few choice items from the Costume Departments of Opera houses worldwide, William breathes new life into Handel’s heroes. PROGRAMME WILL FEATURE: Ombra mai fu, Al lampo dell’armi, Dove sei and arias from
Messiah
Messiah: 05/12/2019 - 21/12/2019
Armonico Consort brings to life the world’s greatest oratorio, and for so many a traditional opening of their Christmas celebrations. Performed on instruments of the period with the greatest young soloists from Armonico Consort, Handel’s masterpiece continues to be held close to the heart of both Armonico Consort and the millions who adore it. There
Carols by Candlelight
Carols by Candlelight: 18/12/2019 - 20/12/2019
Our traditional Carols by Candlelight will once again take place in the enchanted setting of the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick. Featuring our incredible AC Academy Scholars, Christmas music both centuries old and new will merge to create a sublime festive evening. Due to the popularity of this event, we are delighted to be
J.S. BACH MASS IN B MINOR
J.S. BACH MASS IN B MINOR: 31/01/2020 - 06/03/2020
It could be argued that J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor should have been titled ‘Bach’s Greatest Hits’, for that is what Bach himself aimed to achieve with this masterpiece. Composed over the final 25 years of his life and completed just one year before he died, the Mass is scattered with music and references
News
Christopher blogs for Gramophone magazine
Beowulf – a Q&A with composer Toby Young
Supersize Polyphony
THE TIMES
Splendid - Naked Byrd 2
THE INDEPENDENT
Dido & Aeneas – “The vocal ensembles are beautifully sparse and luminous and the instrumental playing is brightly streamlined.”
THE GUARDIAN
