EXAUDI is one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles for new music. Founded by James Weeks (director) and Juliet Fraser (soprano) in 2002, EXAUDI is based in London and draws its singers from among the UK’s brightest vocal talents. Back in March, professor of composition Michael Finnissy joined the leading contemporary ensemble EXAUDI for a residency at the Britten-Pears centre at Aldeburgh. Along with EXAUDI’s director James Weeks and soprano Juliet Fraser, Michael directed a course that gave young composers the chance to work directly with six of the singers from Exaudi in practical sessions as they developed new work and explored the challenges of composing for voices. The singers from EXAUDI are experienced performers of Michael Finnissy’s music and have been the most successful advocates of his vocal works in recent years. The ensemble joined us here in November for the premiere of Finnissy’s Remembrance Day, and recently gave an outstanding rendition of his challenging Kelir at Wigmore Hall. Aldeburgh Music has just produced a short video of them working together at the March event – listen and watch below.
