choral music that matters
SANSARA is a vocal collective making choral music that matters, giving voice to powerful human stories.
Drawing on the unrivalled expressive potential of the human voice, we connect new audiences with timeless music, offering unique opportunities for reflection and renewal.
“expert interlocking of exquisite voices in a sound that takes us beyond our everyday selves”
Our work is rooted in artistic excellence and social engagement. Whether commissioning new music that brings refugee communities together or using ensemble singing to support the journey through bereavement, we believe in the transformative power of choral music to make meaningful connections in people’s lives.
We respond to the present and breathe new life into our rich musical traditions.
We create artistic experiences which challenge the boundaries of form and genre, from intimate a cappella performances to immersive electronic soundscapes. We believe that working collaboratively, with authenticity and the highest levels of shared ambition, allows exceptional things to happen.
“SANSARA slips easily into the elite ranks of exceptional performers”
Established as a charity in 2018, SANSARA reaches global audiences through our critically acclaimed programme of concerts, recordings and community partnerships. As a collective, we are committed to developing a core group of musicians and musical entrepreneurs with the skills and passion to explore a new purpose for choral music.
“choral singing with real depth”
Winners of the London International A Cappella Choir Competition, performance highlights include concerts at the Barbican, Kings Place, St John’s Smith Square, V&A, St Martin-in-the-Fields and several leading UK festivals. Recent collaborations include projects with renowned viol ensemble Fretwork, United Strings of Europe and viola da gamba player Liam Byrne. During the pandemic lockdowns, the choir produced two innovative digital projects with support from Arts Council England: explore re:create and a golden string for yourself.
RECORDINGS
Our debut recording Cloths of Heaven (Convivium Records, 2017) received high praise for its “perfect intonation and clean, pure sound” (The Observer) and “breathtaking interpretations” (Choir & Organ). The Waiting Sky (Resonus Classics, 2019) was highlighted amongst by Gramophone, The Observer, and BBC Music Magazine. The group’s third album Invisible Cities (Resonus Classics, 2021) is a sequence of choral and electronic works by our Associate Composer Marco Galvani, recorded in the midst of the pandemic in late 2020.
Recent releases include My North, a commission by Rebecca Dale which we premiered at a commemorative event at the National Covid Memorial Wall, and A Quiet Night - Tyhoyi Nochi by Ukrainian composer Natalia Tsupryk, commissioned for Ukrainian Independence Day in August 2022. Our recordings have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and 4 (The Choir, Breakfast, Essential Classics, The World Tonight), Scala Radio, Soho Radio and NPO Klassiek.
Our latest album Traces was released in February 2023 and was listed as Gramophone Magazine Editor’s Choice in their April edition: listen here.
PRIVATE BOOKINGS
The group also performs at private events and had the privilege of singing for the late Queen Elizabeth II: hire the choir here.
