The world’s most-streamed classical vocal group has just been signed to perform exclusively in Australia at next year’s Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Cairns.
Voces8 has taken the oldest instrument in the world – the human voice – and created a global phenomenon.
The UK group’s extraordinary harmonies have filled the world’s greatest concert halls, reached millions online and introduced a new generation of audiences to the power of vocal music. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works, cinematic soundscapes and unexpected collaborations, Voces8 has redefined what a classical vocal ensemble can be.
AFCM artistic director Jack Liebeck says securing Voces8 exclusively for 2027 was an extraordinary moment for the festival.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Voces8 in concert, on tour and in recording projects, a few years ago performing together here in Australia at the famed Sydney Opera House, and in Singapore,” Liebeck says. “There is something incredibly special about the combination of the human voice and the violin. It’s a shared musical language, and with Voces8 it creates something truly unique.
“So, to bring them here, to Cairns, exclusively for AFCM in 2027, is something I’m enormously excited about. It’s exactly the kind of international, world-class artistry that our move to Cairns and the support of our Artistic Director’s Circle and the Queensland Government now makes possible – bringing the world to Far North Queensland and placing this festival firmly on the global stage.”
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State Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek says Queensland is home to incredible arts experiences and events, with the Cultural Tourism Fund helping festivals like AFCM to expand, evolve and reach new audiences.
“Hosting this kind of Australian exclusive will further strengthen the Far North’s reputation for impactful arts and cultural events that drive real economic benefits for small businesses, tourism operators and hospitality providers across the region,” Langbroek says.
Formed in 2005, Voces8 has become one of the most celebrated vocal groups in the world, performing across Europe, North America and Asia, collaborating with leading musicians, composers, orchestras and conductors. The group’s versatility sits at the heart of its success, with programs that span centuries, cultures and genres.
Behind the Voces8 sound are eight talented artists. The ensemble features sopranos Savannah Porter and Virginia Grabovsky, alto Katie Jeffries-Harris, countertenor and artistic director Barnaby Smith, tenors Euan Williamson and Blake Morgan, baritone Christopher Moore and bass Dominic Carver.
Each artist brings their own musical journey, artistry and personality to Voces8 and together they create the precision, warmth and connection that has made the ensemble one of the most celebrated vocal groups in the world.
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‘live singing reminds us of what it means to listen, to breathe together and to connect’
Barnaby Smith says Australia has “always held a special place in our hearts”.
“So, to make our Australian return exclusively at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music is a tremendous honour,” Smith says. “The festival has an extraordinary international reputation, and there’s something incredibly exciting about bringing eight unaccompanied voices to such an intimate setting, surrounded by one of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
“The human voice is the oldest instrument we have. In a world filled with technology and constant noise, live singing reminds us of what it means to listen, to breathe together and to connect. That’s something we’re incredibly excited to share with AFCM audiences and, of course, to work again with our friend, Jack Liebeck.
“As travelling musicians, we rarely get to stay in one place for more than a couple of nights, so we’re excited to come to Australia this time for the whole festival, staying in one place and really getting into everything that is being performed over all the days.”
The group’s arrival at AFCM will continue the festival’s reputation for bringing the world’s finest musicians to Tropical North Queensland, creating once-in-a-lifetime performances where the world’s greatest artists meet one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
Voces8’s exclusive 2027 Australian appearance at AFCM has been made possible through the AFCM’s Artistic Director’s Circle and an Arts Queensland’s Cultural Tourism Grant. The announcement coincides with a funding extension for AFCM through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Voces8 will perform at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Cairns in 2027. AFCM Gold and Gold Plus subscriptions, along with Friends memberships, are now on sale until the end of August, at 2026 prices. Tickets booked before August 31 include an exclusive Q&A with Voces8.
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