Recording Venue - St John the Evangelist, Upper Norwood

St John’s inspires musicians from far and wide. It has been used by the BBC to broadcast Songs of Praise and Choral Evensong and is popular as a concert venue for other local choirs. It is also becoming increasingly renowned for its acoustic for recordings by groups such as His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts, Florilegium, Robin Blaze, Elin Manahan Thomas, the Choir of Gonville & Caius College, the Rodolfus Choir, and Rachel Podger and the Brecon Baroque.

A recent Vivaldi CD by Florilegium and Elin Managhan Thomas recorded at St John’s in stunning surround sound was voted Radio 3’s CD of the week. One reviewer said, ‘The sound quality […] is quite exceptional. The acoustic of the recording location – St John the Evangelist Church, Upper Norwood, London – bathes the instruments in a warm glow, giving them an almost holographic presence and richness.’

In our 125th year, Robert Hollingsworth and I Fagiolini chose St John’s for their reconstruction of a 1612 Italian Vespers issued on CD in June 2012. The recording includes a number of pieces for multiple choirs, including one by Gabrieli for seven choirs and period instruments. Once again the St John’s acoustic works its magic. For more information click on this link to view their Microsite and view, listen to and download sample tracks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_wSsz-K8Cg