Echo Vocal Ensemble
![Echo Vocal Ensemble Echo Vocal Ensemble](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/2Y2LhNw5bcoPLLgpdjupHW/423e3fe32a28bf311c21f4df7cae5d33/Full_20team_201_20-_20credit_20Stuart_20Camp-2.jpg?w=1200&fm=avif&q=75)
Echo is an ensemble of young professional singers from across the UK. As a group, they explore the full range of what ensemble singing means - working both with and without a conductor and including improvisation in every concert. They perform music pre-dating, inside, and outside the classical canon, with singers who came together through Genesis Sixteen, the prestigious young artists' scheme run by The Sixteen.
Alongside the obvious acoustic implications, the name stems from the idea of art being a reflection of society and politics. Echo aims to produce accessible, innovative performances of the highest quality, whilst challenging some of the preconceptions and traditions that can be associated with choral music. Their performances are described by ArtsDesk as "sparkling, poised and powerful".
Following highly-acclaimed launch concerts in London and Birmingham in 2017, Echo is establishing a presence at major festivals and venues, including St. John's Smith Square, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Wigmore Hall in London, and regionally at Manchester's Stoller Hall, Yorkshire's Ryedale Festival and Music in Quiet Places in Peterborough. The singers collaborate with high-profile artists and ensembles including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, acclaimed choreographer Gregory Maqoma and composer Thuthuka Sibisi.
Echo has developed a particularly strong affinity with visual and experimental arts in recent years. The group worked with Ragnar Kjartansson on his 'The Sky in a Room' installation piece, alongside collaborating with British artist and anthropologist Hermione Spriggs and Finnish sound artist Hans Rosenström. Alongside these connections, Echo has an ongoing relationship with Birmingham's Ikon Gallery. The group has launched several Interactive YouTube workshops and online programmes including ‘Listening to Lassus’, ‘The Kitchen Sessions’ and 'The Improvisation Initiative', reaching thousands of audience members digitally.