Stour Music 2026: THE SUN HAS BURST THE SKY

Echo Vocal Ensemble
Sarah Latto director

The nine ‘sparkling, poised and powerful’ voices of Echo Vocal Ensemble and director Sarah Latto present a transformative journey through five centuries of vocal music. The programme draws inspiration from the turn of day into dusk, and features Renaissance alongside brand new work by Sarah Dacey - and Echo's unique take on the rare art of choral improvisation.

Einojuhani Rautavaara - Evening Hymn
John Sheppard - Libera Nos
Carlo Gesualdo - O Vos Omnes
Sarah Dacey - All that we see
Claudio Monteverdi - Sfogava con le stelle
Thomas Tallis - Improvisation on ‘Te Lucis Ante Terminum’
Laura Mvula - Sing to the moon
Heap arr. Latto - The moment I said it

The new generation of vocal ensembles continues at Stour with Echo Vocal Ensemble in a programme reflecting ideas about light. The concert starts in Midsummer sun and concludes with Laura Mvula’s ‘Sing to the moon’.

Echo Ensemble has performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, at Sadler’s Wells, as Ensemble-in-Residence at Ryedale Festival and live on BBC Radio 3.  Notable collaborators include poet Roger McGough, choreographer Gregory Maqoma, visual artist Polly Apfelbaum and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.  Their debut album, INNOCENCE, was launched in 2024 at Wigmore Hall and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the BBC Music Magazine Awards, 2025.

‘crafted with skill, flair, understanding, passion and respect for the traditions to which they belong...brilliantly conceived and executed.’ Gramophone

‘The sound experience was incredible - I don't think I've ever heard anything like it.’ Audience member, London

Sponsored by Gilbert Holbourn, Graham & Nina Williams