VOCES8 Scholars Ensemble in Llanbadarn Church

The VOCES8 Scholars Ensemble is a vocal group made up of young professional singers who have previously been part of the annual VOCES8 Scholars programme.Their 2026 international tour now includes Aberystwyth.

All Seems Beautiful

All Seems Beautiful is a celebration of the relationships that shape us first and stay with us longest. Inspired by this year’s festival theme the VOCES8 Scholars Ensemble brings together music that reflects wonder, nurture, memory, affection, and the changing ways we care for one another across generations.Spanning five centuries, the programme opens with the luminous sacred by Palestrina, Tallis and Stanford – music rooted in guidance, devotion, and shared voices. Contemporary reflections deepen these themes through Jocelyn Hagen’s beautiful Mother’s Song, Benjamin Britten’s tender Hymn to the Virgin, and Bobby McFerrin’s calming setting of the 23rd  Psalm .Alongside these are jazz and pop songs – close-harmony gems and cinematic favourites. The programme title comes from Eric Whitacre’s All Seems Beautiful to Me: a reminder that through love, care, and connection, the world can still appear full of possibility.

Sopranos: Fredi Davies , Laura Newey

Altos: Lily Robson, Rachael Beale

Tenors: Sebastian Roberts, Colin Danskin

Basses: Harry Mobbs team leader., Gus Perkins Ray

Programme:

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina – Surge Illuminare Jerusalem 

Thomas Tallis – If Ye Love Me

Charles Villiers Stanford – Beati Quorum Via

Eric Whitacre – All Seems Beautiful to Me

Bobby McFerrin – Psalm 23rd 

Jocelyn Hagen – Mother’s Song

Benjamin Britten – Hymn to the Virgin

Ola Gjeilo – Ubi Caritas

Ken Burton – A Prayer 

John Bennet – Weep, O Mine Eyes

Pierre Passereau – Il est bel et bon

B. Conti & M. Leeson / L. Bricusse & J. Barry, arr. Clements – For Your Eyes Only / You Only Live Twice

Yazoo, arr. Clements – Only You

Duke Ellington, arr. Parry – It Don’t Mean a Thing

(Encore) Arr. Clements – Underneath The Stars

Please note that due to the lack of parking at the church a bus will operate from the Arts Centre car park at 6.30  If you are interested please contact joanrowlands777@gmail.com

Tickets are available here

Please note that this concert is in the historic Llanbadarn  Church.