Open To The World 2023 Vocal Music Festival presents a special concert in Vilnius. 5 pm on Saturday, December 2, at the cozy St Catherine's Church in Vilnius, VOCES8 and Zero8 will perform a stylistically diverse, atmospheric, and unique musical program. This remarkable concert marks the first time VOCES8 and Zero8 will perform together, and the Vilnius audience will be the first to witness their harmonious collaboration.

VOCES8 is renowned for its highly sensitive, luminous, and elegant sound. The group uses an astonishingly meticulous method that controls and harmonizes the natural vibrato of each of its members and, if necessary, neutralizes it completely. This creates a unique and silky-smooth sound.

The ensemble receives regular praise from critics, such as: 'The Rolls-Royce of British a cappella ensembles' (The Art Desk), 'A perfect blend of calm contentment and soaring spirit' (The Independent), and 'They bring a new dimension to the word ‘ensemble’ with meticulous timing and tuning' (Gramophone Magazine).

The vocal ensemble’s repertoire effortlessly combines music from various styles and eras, from 18th-century polyphonies to original jazz and popular music arrangements.

VOCES8 will be visiting Lithuania for the third time as part of the Open To The World project. In 2018 and 2021, they performed four sold-out concerts with Bel Canto Choir Vilnius, captivating audiences with their stunning performances. This year, they will return to their beloved Vilnius to perform not only with the hosting Lithuanian choir but also with other guests of the Open To The World 2023 festival.

Zero8 has made a name for itself as a barbershop, jazz, and pop choir, but it eventually expanded its repertoire to include classical works. With over 40 singers, the choir has won the European Barbershop Championship four times in a row, received numerous awards, and represented Sweden at the 2019 Eurovision Choir Contest.

Last year, Zero8 made its debut in Lithuania as part of the Open To The World 2022 project. Alongside the Bel Canto Choir Vilnius, they presented a remarkable sold-out concert at the Philharmonic.

This year, the Swedish group returns to Vilnius not only to reunite with the Bel Canto Choir Vilnius but also to meet VOCES8 for the first time. Their joint concert with the British ensemble will skillfully blend diverse musical styles and eras, seamlessly weaving pieces from the Renaissance, gospel, and even musicals.

VOCES8 and Zero8 are preparing for an epic concert finale. The main highlight is the second movement of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “Going Home” (arranged by David Wright and adapted by Rasmus Krigström). The Swedish and British groups will perform this particularly sensitive and uplifting work together.

VOCES8 (artistic director Barnaby Smith)
Zero8 (artistic director & conductor Rasmus Krigström)