”After The Tallis Scholars’ debut in Budapest, a young man introduced himself to Sally and myself, and gave us a CD made by his own group: a common enough occurence. And yet, back in London the next day, we instantly realised what a rare gift this had been. Enthralled by the sonority and the justness of the tuning and ensemble, by the thoughtfulness and reverence with which this young group, Banchieri Singers, approached the music, I wrote to them to express my admiration. In fact the singing was so exciting and accomplished that, when they replied by inviting us to give a week long masterclass in Nyiregyhaza, I was a little apprehensive; what could we offer such talented people? Well, now that we have visited Nyiregyhaza twice, my doubts have evaporated. For we found there a group of 6 young, intelligent, energetic people; each one an accomplished singer, yet appreciative of the fact that in this music, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This is the ideal group with whom to study the music, the text, to uncover the mind and intent of composer and poet - for in this music, I believe, everything is accessible to anyone who is willing to search for it. So together we listened through the keyhole, with Gesualdo, to the breathless urgency of the lovers’ gasps (Sospirava il mio core); we pondered with Mundy (Were I A King) whether high or low birth is preferable, or even death; and we heard in the desert a solitary inconsolable wail, that of Rachel weeping for her dead children. (Vox in Rama) We studied the music, yes, but we also laughed and talked, ate and drank together, were enfolded in deepening friendship, and this gave us courage to experiment, to trust each other, and a sharpened awareness of each others presence, all essential to consort singing. In short, the two weeks were wonderful, thrilling. Just listen to the vibrancy and vitality of these performances, and I think you will understand my excitement.”

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FRANCIS STEELE ///// The Tallis Scholars, The Sixteen, 2002