Sonoro, one of the country’s foremost ensembles, have gained recognition for their warmth of tone, colour and blend.

Combining a passion for excellence in choral music and choral education, Sonoro have rolled out education projects, side-by-side performances, conducting masterclasses and new commissions that have gained significant recognition.

“A rich, robust texture, abundant in vibrant colour and undoubted excitement.” The Guardian

Their performing programme has included appearances at internationally renowned festivals and concert halls, including the St Magnus International Festival, Orkney, the Wimbledon International Music Festival and King’s Place, London and in St Gallen, Switzerland.

“Outstandingly refreshing.” BBC Music Magazine

Their album Christmas with Sonoro was Christmas choice in the BBC Music Magazine in 2018, which followed on from their critically acclaimed debut Passion and Polyphony featuring works of James MacMillan and Frank Martin.

“Classical concerts seldom feel so downright uplifting.” The Scotsman

Michael Higgins

Michael Higgins is a pianist, composer and arranger, and Artistic Director of the professional chamber choir Sonoro. With a special interest in choral accompaniment, Michael is in demand with some of the leading choirs in the country and works with the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, London Voices, and the BBC Singers. As a composer and arranger, he has written for the Stay at Home Choir, Wimbledon Choral, Farnham Youth Choir, the RSNO Junior Chorus, the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, as well as music for television, corporate films and commercials. Many of his works are published by the Royal School of Church Music, Novello, and Oxford University Press. Michael studied piano at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the Royal Academy of Music, London, and at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest.

Neil Ferris

Neil Ferris is Chorus Director of the BBC Symphony Chorus, Artistic Director of Sonoro, and Music Director of Wimbledon Choral. He made his BBC Proms conducting debut in August 2019, celebrating the 90th Anniversary season of the BBC Symphony Chorus. In demand as guest conductor at some of the finest choirs in the UK, Neil has worked with London Symphony Chorus, Choir of the Age of Enlightenment, BBC Singers and the National Youth Choir of Wales. He has conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia, Welsh National Opera, London Mozart Players and Orchestra of the Swan. Neil is recognised as one of the country’s leading teachers of choral conducting and has led masterclasses in the UK, USA, Ireland, Denmark, China and Singapore.