VOCES8 Collaborates with Paul Simon

This year we have been thrilled to be invited to collaborate on the new album to be released in 2023 by Paul Simon. Paul has been working with VOCES8 and Paul Smith this year to bring some choral elements to his new album, Seven Psalms. During the collaboration the group has shared their love of music, and also their belief in the vital importance of music education. With that shared belief in mind, it is a true honour to announce that the Newport Festivals Foundation, on behalf of Paul Simon, has made a donation to the VOCES8 Foundation for the work that VOCES8 and Apollo5 will be doing on various major long term programmes in the US in the 2022-23 season.

CEO of the VOCES8 Foundation, Paul Smith, says: 'to collaborate with Paul Simon on a musical level was a mind-blowing experience, and one which we will all treasure for the rest of our lives. That we have also been able to discuss making a positive change in the world of music education is an additional thrill for us, and brought home that we share a common vision as artists to continue demonstrating the power of choral music in communities and schools globally.'

The funds will be used to deliver major year-long programs with students, teachers and communities in Philadelphia, NYC, New Jersey, Albuquerque, Houston and Plano.

Andrea Haines, Soprano One for VOCES8 says: ‘I grew up listening to Graceland on cassette in my parents' car, so there was something both familiar and incredible about hearing Paul Simon's voice in person during our recording sessions in Houston. What a great privilege to have the chance to collaborate and spend time with someone who has been so influential in the world of music, and continues to inspire artists around the world with his creations. It was a beautifully relaxed atmosphere, with a generous mutual respect between us all which gave us time and space to experiment with musical ideas together, and I'll never forget that experience.’

As the new season launches, VOCES8, Apollo5 and the Foundation team are beginning to deliver major programmes of work in schools and communities across the UK, France and the US. Many of these programmes will also see new members of the wider Foundation team involved in delivery, including a number of former VOCES8 Scholars who now graduate from the programme and join the Foundation as young professionals.

Barnaby Smith, Artistic Director for VOCES8 says: ‘Working with Paul has been nothing short of an enlightenment; having the opportunity to engage in a creative forum with an icon, and to witness and begin to understand the personal investment he offers into his art is inspiring. Being able to play a part in bringing his music to world is something I will cherish forever.’

Seven Psalms, the new album by Paul Simon, will be released in 2023, and the programmes supported by this generous gift will be running from September 2022 - June 2023.

To join Paul Simon and Newport Festivals Foundation in supporting these programmes, click on the button below.