The Sixteen is internationally recognised as one of the most outstanding groups in the performance of renaissance and baroque music. The choir was formed by its conductor, Harry Christophers, in 1977. The number of its singers varies between ten and forty, depending on the repertoire. The baroque orchestra was formed in 1986.
The group gives frequent concerts throughout Europe and Scandinavia, and has made major tours of the US, Japan and Brazil. Its repertoire includes Handel's compositions, both opera and oratorio, the music of Purcell, and that of JS Bach. The quality of their recordings of Bach's Motets and his Mass in B Minor has done much to establish the Sixteen and Harry Christophers at the forefront of the authentic baroque movement.
Landmarks in the Sixteen's progress include a series of recordings of English renaissance music, recognised by Gramophone magazine in 1962, with the coveted Early Music Award. A CD of recording of twentieth century masterpieces, in collaboration with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, won a 1995 Diapason d'Or Award in France.
