The acclaimed British a cappella group The King's Singers will perform in the 'Jing on May 11 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). Established in 1968 by six choral scholars who had just graduated from King's College, this Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble has showcased exceptional a cappella singing for 57 years. They are celebrated for their technical skill, outstanding musicianship, distinctive style, diverse repertoire, and eagerness to explore innovative music-making avenues. Although the members have changed over time, the ensemble consistently includes two countertenors, one tenor, two baritones, and one bass. The current group features countertenor Patrick Dunachie, countertenor Edward Button, tenor Julian Gregory, baritone Christopher Bruerton, baritone Nick Ashby, and bass Piers Connor Kennedy.
Their concert in Beijing, part of the "Close Harmony" tour, will highlight selections from their 2024 album *Close Harmony* along with additional pieces.
**Close Harmony – Concert Program:**
- “What Kind of Things Do The King’s Singers Sing?” – Ron Goodwin (arr. Jeremy Jackman)
- Getting Going (1968-72)
- “Blow Away the Morning Dew” – Traditional (arr. Gordon Langford)
- Traditional: “The Oak and the Ash” – Traditional (arr. Gordon Langford)
- “El manisero” (“The Peanut Vendor”) – Marion Sunshine, Moisés Simons; English lyrics by L. Wolfe Gilbert (arr. Gordon Langford)
- Going Pro (1972-83)
- “I’m a Train” – Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood (arr. Peter Knight)
- “Slow Train” – Donald Swann, Michael Flanders (arr. Gordon Langford)
- “Overture to The Barber of Seville” – Gioachino Rossini (arr. Daryl Runswick)
- Into America (1983-1990)
- “And So It Goes” – Billy Joel (arr. Bob Chilcott)
- “Honey Pie” – Lennon-McCartney (arr. Paul Hart)
- “Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father” – Randy Newman (arr. Bob Chilcott)
- Something Different (1990-2000)
- “Oh, I Can’t Sit Down” – George Gershwin (arr. Bob Chilcott)
- “Kokomo” – The Beach Boys (arr. Bob Chilcott)
- “她来听我的演唱会” (“She Came to My Concert”) – Huang Mingzhou, Liang Wenfu (arr. Patrick Dunachie)
- “The Ender”
- “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” – Lennon-McCartney (arr. Daryl Runswick)
- – Intermission –
- A New Day (2000-2018)
- “You Are the New Day” – John David (arr. Peter Knight)
- “I’ve Got the World on a String” – Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler (arr. Alexander L’Estrange)
- “We Are” – Bob Chilcott
- The Show Goes On (2019-)
- “月亮代表我的心” (“The Moon Represents My Heart”) – Tang Ni, Sun Yi (arr. Philip Lawson)
- “Cielito Lindo” – Mexican Traditional (arr. Jorge Cózatl)
- “Ocean Eyes” – Finneas O'Connell (arr. The King’s Singers)
- “When She Loved Me” – Randy Newman (arr. Philip Lawson)
- “The Bare Necessities” – Terry Gilkyson (arr. Jamey Ray)
**What:** Close Harmony – The King's Singers at the National Centre for the Performing Arts
**When:** May 11, 7.30pm
**Where:** NCPA Concert Hall
**Price:** RMB 180-680
Please note that the performance program, timing, or other details may change. Further information can be accessed on the NCPA website or through various event mini-programs. **NOTE:** Foreign passport holders may encounter difficulties purchasing tickets for these performances via most mini programs or ticketing apps like Damai or Alipay. We suggest purchasing tickets through the NCPA Smart Butler 国家大剧院智慧管家 mini program by searching for 国王歌手合唱团 and following the instructions provided. Tickets can also be acquired online at www.chncpa.org or by contacting the NCPA box office by phone at 010 6655 0000 or in person.
**National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) 国家大剧院**
North Gate of NCPA (Box Office)
2 Chang'an Xidajie, Xicheng District
西城区西长安街2号
**NCPA Box Office Hours**
9.30am-7.
The famous British a cappella ensemble The King's Singers will impress the audience at 'Jing on May 11.