The Sixteen live in Middlesbrough

Experience The Sixteen live on October 15th

The Sixteen, a renowned British vocal ensemble, are scheduled to perform at Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Middlesbrough on October 15, 2026. The group is celebrated for its performances of both Renaissance polyphony and contemporary choral music, consistently praised for its technical precision, expressive interpretations, and commitment to historically informed performance practice. Their repertoire spans a wide range of composers from William Byrd and Palestrina to living composers, often focusing on works originally intended for liturgical use or courtly entertainment.

Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, is a significant example of 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture. Completed in 1921 to designs by architect Leonard Stokes, it replaced an earlier church on the same site. The cathedral is notable for its Byzantine-inspired design – unusual for English Catholic cathedrals – featuring a large central dome and extensive mosaic work within the interior. Its construction was largely funded by contributions from the local steel industry and the Catholic community of Middlesbrough Diocese. The building is listed as a Grade II* listed building, recognizing its architectural and historical importance. The cathedral's acoustics are considered particularly well-suited to vocal performances.