Papagena

...is an a cappella vocal group set up to explore the wealth of music from medieval times to the present day written specifically for female voices. No props, microphones or gimmicks, just five stunning voices form Papagena. The singers are all classically trained and include amongst their number a conductor, saxophonist, composer, opera and oratorio soloists. But the group’s programming defies pigeonholing; Papagena juxtaposes classical repertoire with traditional folk, medieval and contemporary music to create programmes that can span nine centuries, from 12th century abbess Hildegard of Bingen to Joni Mitchell, from Byzantine hymns to lilting Celtic ballads to Norwegian lullabies, from Purcell to Katy Perry. Papagena writes and arranges some of its own material and also commissions new arrangements and pieces from an eclectic range of composers, including recent offerings from Jim Clements, John Duggan and Errollyn Wallen. The group has toured the UK extensively, giving performances at numerous Music Festivals and events. Papagena has released two recordings, the latest of which, The Darkest Midnight is on the SOMM Recordings label. Their follow up album Hush! is due to be released in Spring 2020. The singers are Lizzie Drury, Suzie Purkis, Abbi Temple, Sarah Tenant-Flowers & Suzzie Vango