An evening of unaccompanied choral music that celebrates both intimacy and expressive richness, this concert brings together two much-loved works of the modern a cappella repertoire.

At its heart are the luminous Nocturnes by Morten Lauridsen—a cycle of five settings that explore the beauty, mystery and stillness of night. Lauridsen’s music is renowned for its warmth and flowing lyricism, drawing singers and listeners alike into a reflective, almost timeless sound world.

In contrast, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Three Shakespeare Songs offer wit, colour and character in abundance. Each movement captures a different facet of Shakespeare’s writing—from playful humour to haunting atmosphere—showcasing the choir’s versatility and dramatic flair.

Together, these works promise a richly varied programme, blending serenity with storytelling, and highlighting the unique power and purity of the human voice.

Scaramella Singers is a vocal ensemble based in Newport with a wide collective breadth of

musical experience. The group started singing around the kitchen table in 2010 and this

configuration remained key to the close harmonies and the homogenous tone they have

evolved over the years, now encompassing a richly varied repertoire focusing on the

Renaissance, but ranging from medieval to modern, and from sacred to secular.

Alongside early European sacred works by composers such as Palestrina, Byrd, Lassus,

Vittoria, Bach, Hassler, and Desprez, concert programmes also include traditional Welsh music

as well as contemporary pieces by Whitacre, Gjeilo, Hawes, Lauridsen, Tavener and Meirion

Wyn Jones. World premières of music written by composer Gareth Davies (who is also a

chorister in the group) are regularly featured, as is the cellist Nia Harries.

Scaramella Singers have performed in St Mary’s Church and Ebeneser Chapel in Newport, St

Brynach’s Church Nevern, St Mary’s Church Cardigan, St Mary’s Church Fishguard, St Davids

Cathedral, St John the Baptist Church near Chichester, and at Rhosygilwen several years ago

as part of a literature drama with Parthian Books Publishers in Cardigan.

Scaramella Singers represented the Newport Pembrokeshire locality on two memorable choir

exchange trips to the Plouguin area of Brittany in 2016 and 2024, as well as then hosting the

Chant ‘Oyat choir from that area in 2026.

Ben Richards joined the singers recently as conductor and musical director, and is based in St

Davids. He has brought a new exciting dynamic to the group!

We look forward with great excitement to performing in Rhosygilwen Oak Hall, where the

programme will feature significant pieces by Morten Lauridsen and Vaughan Williams, while

also including several other songs that will sparkle alongside in this light summer concert