Formed in 1987 by its Music Director Carol Pemberton MBE, Black Voices has gained a reputation as Europe’s finest female a cappella quintet. From their home, Grosvenor Road Studios - Birmingham’s oldest recording studio, Black Voices has touched the world. They have performed in every continent and before royalty, presidents, sharing the stage with some of the ‘Greats in Music’ including many of their idols, Nina Simone, Ray Charles, Hugh Masekela, Wynton Marsalis and Miriam Makeba to name just a few!
They have wowed audiences globally with their singing and performances in the black oral tradition – an early music form that is based on the ancient folklore and storytelling of Africa and the Diaspora which has impacted all music genres from the early spirituals, blues and jazz.
Black Voices has developed her own unique sound and repertoire embracing spirituals, traditional African, Caribbean and English folk songs, jazz, gospel, pop and reggae as well as a fusion of contemporary and classical styles that have earned them worldwide recognition as an outstanding all-female vocal ensemble.
Their popular singing programmes are always in high demand. Their Gospel course has become a feature of Dartington International Summer School since the early 90s. The ensemble has been Associate Artists of Town Hall Symphony Hall since 2005 and in 2021, took on a new role as Artists in Residence at Warwick Arts Centre.