User:Hendy275/Octavoce

Octavoce is an 8 part choir which was originally formed in Aberdeen in 2009, the founder members being a group of students, from a variety of musical backgrounds, united by a love of choral music. Since then, the group has enjoyed growing success nationally and is now primarily based in Edinburgh.

The members have a wealth of choral experience between them having sung with various national, independent and cathedral choirs throughout the UK. These include St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh, the only full time professional cathedral choir in Scotland, both as choristers and lay clerks, the National Youth Choir of Scotland and National Youth Choir of Great Britain, the Aberdeen Chamber Choir conducted by Paul Mealor and the Robin Chapel Choir, Edinburgh to name a few. Outwith the choir, the members have a variety of occupations extending from a doctor and a teacher to students and freelance musicians. Most of the members also play instruments and are involved in other professional or amateur musical activities.

Octavoce have been privileged to be involved in some exciting events since their formation. In 2009, they were invited to perform at the grand opening of the Union Square shopping centre in Aberdeen. In 2011 the choir gave the world premiere performance of Paul Mealor's 'She walks in Beauty', which was composed specifically for the choir in 2010. This has subsequently been recorded by the choir Tenebrae (choir). Later that year, Octavoce came runners up in the nationwide carol competition run by the Brewers Fayre restaurant group. In 2012, Octavoce perfomed at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Supper and were also involved in promoting the 'Get up and Go, Edinburgh'. Octavoce have also performed at a variety of charity events, most recently the 'Vocal Dynamic' concert to raise money for Nordoff-Robbins music therapy, alongside Phamie Gow and Paul Mealor. In the past, the group have also raised money for Alzheimers Scotland, Cystic Fibrosis, the British Heart Foundation, Scottish Pensioners and Cancer Research UK. Alongside these performances, Octavoce have performed at a variety of private events from weddings and dinners to Christmas parties and church services.

Octavoce are delighted to be taking up a position as 'choir in residence' at Loretto School for academic year 2013-2014 and hope to use this to help promote choral music at a grass roots level.