In conversation: Andrea Haines - VOCES8 - RSCM International Chorister Day 2023

Find out more about International Chorister Day and what you can do here: www.rscm.org.uk/icd
Hugh Morris, RSCM Director, talks to VOCES8 Soprano Andrea Haines about her experiences of singing church music and the RSCM.
You can watch more chorister stories here: • International Choriste...
#InternationalChoristerDay
---------------------------------------------------
WEBSITE: www.rscm.org.uk/
TWITTER: / rscmcentre
FACEBOOK: / rscmcentre
INSTAGRAM: / rscmcentre

[@leechumbley5440]

I hope Andrea Haines has an opportunity to read this. Dear Andrea Haines: I love you! And I've only known you for two whole days :) 82 y.o. Yank, last 36 yrs in Germany, read 1 page in current GeoEpoche about Heinrich Schütz, checked it out and heard VOCES8, Andrea, your high notes: I go into trance mode, my brain and body shot through with endorphins, can't believe anything can be so beautiful. And now hearing this interview: what a meaningful life you have and how much joy you bring to others. Thank you

[@1j6i1m8]

Andrea Haines, musically talented beyond my ability to qualify, but she is one of those who can do AND teach. I am in awe of her self-awareness, her ability to express, and her boundless enthusiasm.

[@moniqueabner2895]

Andrea is superb!!!!!!

[@hansschonfelder735]

Une des plus belles voix de soprano que j'ai jamais entendues.

[@jo4stuco914]

Andrea Haines, you have inspired me more than you could ever imagine. Your vocal technique and your beautiful sound has been my inspiration ever since I discovered VOCES8 four years ago, as a freshman in high school. As a tall brunette, a lot of people assume me to be an alto, but I sing soprano one in my choir, and you have changed the way I see myself, music, and the human voice. Thank you for your talent, and thank you for your kindness.

[@richardseewald4739]

The beauty of the singing is a reflection of the exquisite beauty from within this exceptional human being.

[@tomhirschi1603]

Dougie Maclean's "Caledonia" during the pandemic sung by hundreds, led by Voces 8, is the best ever!

[@techeddie9035]

Seeing and hearing VOCES8 perform live had been on my bucket list for several years. Two months ago, I finally got to see them, AND had the privilege of meeting Andrea and the others after the concert! What a lovely and inspiring group of musicians. Their ability to keep up with their demanding schedule is, to me, as impressive as their music. Now I am looking forward to their next visit to the States, because a new item on my bucket list is to see them again!

[@constancebrown1826]

Same here--all of it!

[@applemac100100]

Andrea is such a lovely person

[@AnjaHuebel1]

And has a very special voice!

[@garycooper5055]

Seeing VOCES8 in Dallas in November - driving 6 hours and can’t wait to hear Andrea and the ensemble sing - their music brings emotional responses to me like no other group.

[@Hateires]

I’m sooo bummed it’s on a Thursday!! I work evenings so no way I can go :(

[@laurien4384]

Heard them live 2 weeks ago in NYC for the first time. Mind blowing. You are going to have the best time.

[@techeddie9035]

Just seeing your comment now, but I'm sure you found the performance well worth the drive! I did a trip of similar length to see them in NC in mid-October, and am so glad I did. They were fantastic.

[@CaresinVerse]

This has been a wonderful gift to all who love beautiful music. I love VOCES8 and Andrea is my favorite chorister so this made my day! I was in a chorus in High School and then went the route of musical theater. Now, at age 77, I still remember what a wonderful opportunity that chorus experience was. God bless RSCM, Hugh Morris, Andrea Haines and VOCES8.

[@peterdyson49]

Excellent interview: opportunity and infrastructure are key and they can produce talented gifted singers like Andrea Haines. Thank you RSCM for sharing her journey

[@peterrobey1654]

Voces8 and Andrea Haines are an inspiration. Enjoyed hearing them in DC Dec 2021!

[@michaelskelton8516]

Such a fascinating insight! For me the striking element of this interview is the ‘foundation’ of church choir music which in my lifetime (76 yrs) has shrunk so much creating a void which hasn’t been anywhere filled through community choirs etc. Many children have no pathway to a structured understanding and a fulfilling lifetime of making music. I live in rural East Yorkshire where churches are closing and in my limited experience few of the remaining ones have choirs involving children. I wish Andrea, Hugh and all those involved in church music the very best fortune in being able to draw children into the ‘musical journey’.

[@constancebrown1826]

So, so important! You're right; so few children have access any more.

[@4peterf]

Absolutely fascinating interview with my favourite soprano.Andrea is so inspiring.

[@richardbreitling6537]

What a personality and delightful person. And, she is more beautiful than 15 years ago - Andrea, you need no makeup! Voces8 has been successful, largely because of Andrea. I enjoy listening to your singing immensely.

[@Clearphish]

Thank you RSCM for the musical journey I have been on since 1952. It's the fourteen-year foundation that all my life's vocal music rests upon. From Hear My Prayer to the Blues, it all depends upon inhabiting the words and being the instrument that conveys those feelings and understandings to others.

[@Daiseehead]

😭 I wish I could hear Andrea and Voces8 sing in California. They’re all amazing, and she’s my favorite in the group! 💗

[@brianharrison7718]

I was fortunate enough to see this amazing ensemble in Palm Springs earlier in the year. Amazing performance.

[@HarmoniChris]

Yes! I hope in the future I'm able to see them perform in Los Angeles, or somewhere close by. Their only confirmed 2024 concerts on the west coast right now are in Portland and Ashland Oregon, on March 6th and 8th respectively.

[@user-xh4nq4vt5y]

RSCM is the most important church music organisation in Britain and internationally. It's inspiration and education programmes for young people should be taken up by churches of all denominations. Great singing and the involvement of young people in church choirs has NEVER been confined just to Anglican cathedral choirs, but for ALL parish choirs to take seriously and develop with well trained and qualified music teachers.

[@frogmouth]

I love Voces 8 such a support during the Pandemic . I saw them at Ukaria ( south Australia) before the pandemic and was blown away .

[@constancebrown1826]

Such excellent questions and thoughtful answers!

[@Juazeiro69]

Talking about locations, I found the video shot out in the open in the Grand Tetons in USA was magical - the creativity of music combining with the harmony and Mystery of Creation - go archeology!!

[@theironherder]

I have been blessed with a great love of music and a great love of choral singing. My portion of talent and focus and discipline, not so much. My love of choral singing was such that when I moved to pursue an academic doctorate, wiithin months I had joined 3 amateur sining groups. My academic studies suffered from my lack of commitment, and for that and other reasons I never was awarded a doctorate. But damn, I surely liked the singing.

[@SimonBeirne]

I started my singing career at school and I was a member of the school choir I also started singing folk tunes as well.

[@joer5627]

I admire your work Thank you

[@frogmouth]

Recordings are a mixed blessing. Comparing yourself to professional singers is not a good idea. Churches have fallen into disrepute and more and more families dont "do church ". I think we all need to campaign for more music in schools . It benefits academics and teaches all the important life skills : persistence, cooperation, stepping up for a solo, bending, connecting practice with dkill deveopment and confidence

[@terryshannon9774]

I believe she mentioned liking the tight harmonies of The Wailin Jennys. She might really enjoy listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash.

[@Anansemusic]

120 concerts in a year??!!! That's wild🥹🔥