BBC Singers appoints Eric Whitacre as artist in residence

Choral ensemble BBC Singers has announced that composer Eric Whitacre will be the group’s new artist in residence. Starting with immediate effect, Whitacre will work with the ensemble’s newly appointed director Jonathan Manners on the BBC Singers’ upcoming programme and ‘play a leading role’ in the group’s centenary celebrations in the 2024-25 season.

The BBC Singers’ first performance following the appointment will be tomorrow’s Prom 60: Late Night with Eric Whitacre (4 September) featuring the world premiere of Whitacre’s Eternity in an Hour, a BBC co-commission conducted by Whitacre himself.

Whitacre said: ‘I am deeply honoured to take up the role of artist in residence with this incredible and distinguished musical family, the BBC Singers. This is not just an opportunity to make music together, but to grow alongside artists who inspire me daily. I hope that we can celebrate the music we love and exploring new ideas and opportunities on the concert platform, in the studio and in music education. I’m excited for the journey ahead.’

The new appointment builds on the BBC Singers’ existing relationship with Eric Whitacre which includes numerous concerts of the composer’s work. In its 100^th year – and following challenging and tumultuous period – the BBC Singers has presented its own BBC Singers at 100 concert at the Bristol Beacon and, on 2 October will return to the Barbican Hall for a centenary concert featuring Whitacre alongside Anna Lapwood, Abel Selaocoe, members of the National Youth Choir, and conductors Sofi Jeannin, Owain Park and Nicholas Chalmers.