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After 30 years of world-wide performance and recording, The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles. Comprising both choir and period-instrument orchestra, The Sixteen's total commitment to the music it performs is its greatest distinction. Its special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, bringing fresh insights into Baroque and early Classical music and a diversity of 20th Century music, is drawn from the passions of conductor and founder, Harry Christophers.

Sky Arts caught up with Christophers as he prepared for The Sixteen’s 150th performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Barbican. He discussed the origins of the group as the special feeling that he still has for the choir and the music that it produces. He also discussed this year’s Choral Pilgrimage tour.

The Choral Pilgrimage, is the Sixteen’s annual tour of our finest cathedrals bringing music back to the buildings for which it was written. To celebrate The Sixteen's thirtieth anniversary, Harry Christophers has devised two programmes devoted to the anniversaries of three major composers: Henry Purcell, James MacMillan and George Frideric Handel. The main programme will be a cappella with music by Purcell and MacMillan; the Handel programme will tour to six select locations.

Tour Dates: www.the-sixteen.org.uk/tours/