The group Vox Animae was founded by Michael Fields in 1994 and has established a reputation for singing of “excellent clarity and ensemble” and for ardent and challenging interpretations.  They have become renowned for their presentation of Ordo Virtutum (The Rite of the Virtues), the greatest musical work by the visionary Abbess, Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179).

Acted, costumed and staged, and sung throughout to Hildegard’s music, Ordo Virtutum is a 12th Century plainsong opera which combines the meditational qualities of Gregorian chant with the Abbess’ personal, lyrical and emotional expression. An ensemble of a cappella singers plus harpist bring the Abbess’ mystical vision to life, to recount the timeless story of the Soul’s struggle with the temptations of the world and how the Virtues assist in her fight against the Devil. 

Soprano Evelyn Tubb, one of the top early music performers of her generation, sings the central role of Humility, Queen of the Virtues, while Ansy Boothroyd takes the part of the Soul and John Hancorn (one of only two men performing) is the Devil. The Virtues are sung by an exceptional team of vocal soloists with extensive experience of this wonderful music. The chorus of Patriarchs, Prophets, and Embodied Souls is sung by a chorus of people recruited and coached locally.

The production has featured on BBC Radio 3 “Music Restored” and recently on “In Tune”, as well as at Copenhagen and York Early Music Festivals; Hexham, Bournemouth and Grassington Festivals; Wimbourne Minster, Dartington International Summer School and The Hildegard Conference, Allensbach, Germany.

In 2008 this acclaimed production was performed in the Lake District Summer Music Festival and the Brighton Early Music Festival, and in 2007 at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, where it won plaudits such as “mesmerising and exquisitely beautiful” and “one of the highlights of our International Season”. Evelyn Tubb was also interviewed on Radio 4 “Woman’s Hour” about her experience of singing Hildegard’s music.

Vox Animae’s filmed version of Ordo Virtutum has been broadcast around the world, and is presented on the double DVD, Hildegard von Bingen In Portrait, published by BBC Opus Arte.