A sensuous sextet seduces Princeton

Executive Director of PhillyGayCalendar


The McCarter Theatre Center presented The King’s Singers on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at the Richardson Auditorium on the campus of Princeton University.  This concert celebrated the fact that The King’s Singers are celebrating their 50th anniversary, which they’ve named GOLD.

 

The King’s Singers are: Patrick Dunachie, Countertenor; Timothy Wayne-Wright, Countertenor; Julian Gregory, Tenor; Christopher Bruerton, Baritone; Christopher Gabbitas, Baritone; and Jonathan Howard, Bass. They are an a cappella group founded in Cambridge, England, at King’s College, hence their name. Reading their individual biographies, one is instantly aware that each man is witty and a great storyteller, which only adds to their charm. Who can resist an erudite Brit? They are cute as the proverbial button. The current roster is a youthful one which belies the fact that The King’s Singers have earned two Grammys and an Emmy over the years.

 

Their program was of two parts. First, a printed program which included favorites such as It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and Veni, Veni, Emmanuel (or as we know it, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel), along with commissioned work by Toby Hession and Bob Chilcott and the modern master, Arvo Part. After the interval, a potpourri of songs called “The Christmas Stocking” which was described in the program as “Festive favourites and brand new surprises in their signature close-harmony style from the lighter side of (their) repertoire.” As luck would have it, they were mentioned as being instrumental in the career path of Jakub Jozef Orlinski, as he mentioned in the October issue of Opera Now. He heard the countertenor voice, and it encouraged him.

 

The six young men had the audience in the palms of their hands by concert’s end. The acclaim was such that there were encores, one using their Ipads where they now keep their reams of sheet music. Even with a standing ovation, The King’s Singers made their final exit.

 

The King’s Singers have albums, social media presence, and appreciate any and all contributions to The King’s Singers Global Foundation. For further information, visit www.kingssingers.com .

 

The McCarter Theatre Center continues its season of plays, concerts and dance.  Next will be The Niceties, a play by Eleanor Burgess beginning January 11. The Pride Night party will be Thursday, January 24 beginning at 6pm before that night’s performance of The Niceties. Remember the McCarter in your year-end donations. For more information about this and all other programs, visit www.mccarter.org .

 

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