London choir bounces back from pandemic with debut album

London-based choir Southern Spirit Singers is set to release its debut album, First Light, next week. The album, made up entirely of works by living composers, was recorded in July 2022 following years of disruption due to the pandemic and is set to be released on 1 November.

Combining studio recordings with live concert performance at St James’s, Sussex Gardens, rehearsals for the album began in 2020, when lockdown restrictions forced Southern Spirit Singers, like music groups worldwide, to conduct rehearsals online. However, this transition also offered opportunities for virtual connection, with Canadian composer Sarah Quartel, whose 2019 work Swept Away features in the album, able to visit a digital rehearsal in 2020.

Conductor Andy King said: ‘The pandemic had a particularly harsh impact on choral singing, with many choirs, including us, turning to virtual rehearsals and recording because there was no alternative. Being able to record in person and finally perform some of these pieces that we learnt in isolation has been a very moving and meaningful experience.’

Featuring music by Daniel Knaggs, Jacob Narverud, Ivo Antognini, Arvo Pärt, Jake Runestad and Dominic DiOrio, all the works First Light were written in the 21st century, and most within the last five years. The album also includes a recording of Finnish composer Mia Makaroff’s Butterfly which the ensemble recently performed as guests of London Oriana Choir during the ensemble's Women Composers Festival at London’s Southbank Centre.

Founded as an alumni choir of UK Adult Choir of the Year 2014, Northern Spirit Singers, Southern Spirit Singers embraces a wide repertoire with regular concerts in London and the Southeast. The 2019 European Choir Games in Gothenburg saw Southern Spirit Singers winning second prize in two consecutive European finals as well as receiving two gold medals in the games’ Grand Prix of Nations.

Southern Spirit Singers will return to St James’ Church, Sussex gardens on 17 December for its annual Christmas Concert before giving a Spring Concert at St Mary’s Church, Battersea in March next year.

First Light will be available to stream and download online at all major digital platforms from 1 November. Links to the album can be found here.