Join Echo Vocal Ensemble and friends for a performance in the stunning surroundings of St. John's Church, Hoxton. For this special concert to mark their 5th anniversary, the group are inviting back some of their favourite collaborators to join them in song.

Words and music collide as award-winning poet Roger McGough and actor, composer and vocalist Aminita Francis join forces with the group in an exploration of slowing down, speeding up again, and what freedom might mean to us now.

Expect music from the 16th century to the present day by composers Orlande de Lassus, Undine Smith Moore and Arvo Pärt alongside improvisation, folksong and brand new collaborative work created specially for this performance.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Roger McGough is an award-winning poet, playwright, broadcaster and author of over a hundred books of poetry for adults and children. He has been described as ‘The godfather of modern British poetry’ by the Metro and the ‘The patron saint of poetry’ by Carol Ann Duffy.

Aminita Francis is an actor, composer and vocal artist from South London whose practise revolves around using the human voice to tell stories. She specialises in song, beatboxing, spoken word, rap, live looping and vocal processing. Her recent work includes international award winner 'Frankenstein: How to make a monster' (Battersea Arts Centre / BBC Film) and 'The Immersive Great Gatsby' (West End)

Described as "sparkling, poised and subtly powerful" (The Arts Desk) Echo Vocal Ensemble made their St John's Smith Square debut in 2017, and have since performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, as Ensemble-in-Residence at Ryedale Festival and live on BBC Radio 3. Echo aims to explore the full range of what ensemble singing can achieve, including improvisation and audience-immersive concert experiences, whilst achieving musical excellence at all times.