Mousai Singers

Named after the collective Greek Muse who within mythology inspire the creation of literature and the arts, Mousai are an exciting upcoming choir directed by Daniel Cook, Sub-Organist of Westminster Abbey. Originally formed in 2010 as an octet, the group has now expanded to twelve singers, and has given numerous performances throughout the UK namely in Winchester, Salisbury, Guildford, Chichester, Lichfield and St Davids, as well as St Brides', Fleet Street and the chapels of Trinity College, Cambridge and King's College, London. With all members of the group having been former choristers at cathedrals or collegiate establishments such as Salisbury, Chichester, Winchester, Guildford and Hereford Cathedrals, and St John's College, Cambridge, Mousai hope to build on their knowledge bestowed upon them from their chorister years. At present all of the singers are studying for their undergraduate degrees from a broad range of institutions, such as King's College, London, Royal Holloway, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, St John’s, King's and Trinity Colleges, Cambridge and The Queen's College, Oxford. Recent repertoire has included Handel's Messiah, Fauré's Requiem, Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb, Parry's Songs of Farewell, Vaughan Williams' Mass in G minor and Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsories for Holy Saturday. In January 2013 Mousai recorded their debut CD - The Welsh Connection, which features music from the 20th & 21st centuries by Welsh composers, poets or music with connections to Wales. The CD was recorded in St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, and includes works by Bax, Parry, Mathias, Rubbra, Cox, Harris and Leighton. It has received national acclaim, receiving 4/5 stars in Church Music Quarterly and 2/3 stars in Choir & Organ magazine. This summer Mousai collaborated with the John Armitage Memorial Trust (JAM) as part of the City of London Festival and JAM’s new festival JAM on the Marsh. The concerts featured the English premiere of a new commission from Giles Swayne entitled The Yonghy Bongy Bo. In July 2015 Mousai will perform as part of the Southern Cathedrals Festival as well as the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music, and this Christmas sees concerts in Salisbury and London. Check the diary for more information and to buy tickets.