King’s Singers bringing holiday harmonies to Hancher in Iowa City

Artificial Intelligence threatens the livelihoods of many folks. But can A.I. have an impact on singers?

“I was talking about that with friends recently, as the A.I. revolution is obviously here,” The King’s Singers vocalist Christopher Bruerton said while calling from Reykjavik, Iceland.

“The question was what is going to happen with live music. Are we going to be replaced? I believe certain tasks are more at risk. A.I. can do many of the things humans do and quicker, but I don't know how A.I. can recreate the human voice and the live experience.”

The latter seems to be irreplaceable. There is a huge difference between a club experience with music simply emanating from speakers and the give and take of a recording artist performing. It was evident how much fans missed live music during lockdown.

“It’s obvious that people enjoy watching humans perform after coming out of the pandemic,” Bruerton said. “Venues were packed as soon as we were allowed to experience live performance again. It’s the greatest feeling, that is performing. I appreciate it now more than ever. I know I can’t do this forever, but I feel confident that The King’s Singers will go on for years.”

Origins

Perhaps The King’s Singers actually can go on forever. The group is a British a cappella ensemble formed in 1968 by six choral scholars. None of the original six members are with the group.

Bruerton, 39, a baritone, and the other five members of the group — baritone Nick Ashby, tenor Julian Gregory, countertenors Patrick Dunachie and Edward Button and bass Jonathan Howard — each joined King’s Singers during the prior decade.

“It’s not about who is in the group, but about keeping a musical style going,” Bruerton explained.

The group’s versatility, technique and musicianship have made the act a unique entity.

“You have to fit in to be part of the group,” Bruerton said. “Someone heard me sing, and one thing led to another, and I joined the King’s Singers (in 2012). I love what I do. There’s nothing like a cappella.”

At Hancher

The King’s Singers, performing Saturday at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, will deliver the sounds of the season, including “Finding Harmony at Christmas,” “Carols from King’s” and “Northern Lights.”

The singers have range and love to mix the traditional with pop selections, such as The Beatles’ “And I Love Her,” Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” and KT Tunstall’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.”

“We’re versatile,” Bruerton said. “We have fun with different styles of music.”

A cappella renaissance

A cappella music has had a resurgence over the past 15 years with the success of the TV show “Glee,” the “Pitch Perfect” film series, and groups like Pentatonix, Straight No Chaser and Home Free.

“It’s a good time for a cappella,” Bruerton said. “The great thing is that everyone can sing a cappella. It doesn’t take much to be able to do something magical. You can start by humming, and all of a sudden you’re singing. I want to do this for as long as I can.”

Or as long as original King’s Singer Brian Kay, who left the group to become a conductor. Kay retired after conducting Handel’s “Messiah” in Oxford, England, a week ago. Bruerton attended the event. The New Zealander was choked up after witnessing Kay’s swan song.

“It was certainly emotional,” Bruerton said. “It was a privilege to experience Brian’s last hurrah. It was quite the night for the audience, who loved the show. It’s a reminder how significant live entertainment is. AI couldn’t achieve what Brian has accomplished.”

The King’s Singers is a brotherhood that Bruerton can’t imagine leaving.

“We have forged such a bond,” Bruerton said. “I spent more time with the guys in King’s Singers than with my wife, Liz. I enjoy being part of this so much. If I didn’t enjoy singing with the group, I would have moved on years ago.”