Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
We are pleased to introduce The VOCES8 Scholars 2025/26, who perform ‘Super flumina Babylonis’ by Philippe de Monte at the VOCES8 Centre in London.
Super flumina Babylonis is one of the most poignant motets of the late Renaissance. Setting Psalm 137, it captures the sorrow of the Israelites in exile, sitting by the rivers of Babylon and weeping for their lost homeland.
De Monte’s setting is full of expressive suspensions and rich harmonies, showing why he was one of the most admired composers of his generation.
TEXT (Psalm 137:1–4)
Super flumina Babylonis, illic sedimus et flevimus, cum recordaremur Sion.
In salicibus in medio eius suspendimus organa nostra.
Quia illic interrogaverunt nos qui captivos duxerunt nos verba cantionum;
et qui abduxerunt nos: Hymnum cantate nobis de canticis Sion.
Quomodo cantabimus canticum Domini in terra aliena?
TRANSLATION
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.
On the willows there we hung up our harps.
For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying:
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?
VOCES8 Scholars
Beth Yates, Kizzy Lumley-Edwards - Soprano
Phoebe Wakefield, Merel-Magali Cox - Alto
Hugo Williamson, Sebastian Roberts - Tenor
Iris Oliver, Frederic Mattes - Bass
Audio and video produced by Barnaby Smith & Katie Jeffries-Harris
Cameras: Barnaby Smith and Dan Barrett
----
VOCES8 is the no. 1 streamed classical vocal ensemble in the world. Through the VOCES8 Foundation, it runs an innovative and wide reaching education programme reaching 50,000 participants every year, with an aim to inspire people through music.
Become a member of the VOCES8 channel for exclusive performances, behind the scenes moments and early access to new releases 👉bit.ly/4bAwaNA
Subscribe to VOCES8 YouTube channel 👉 bit.ly/43Xg38H
Follow VOCES8 on:
VOCES8 Website voces8.com
VOCES8 Foundation Website https://www.voces8.foundation
Donate to the VOCES8 Foundation 👉 bit.ly/4or0UDO
Facebook facebook.com/VOCES8
Instagram instagram.com/voces8
TikTok tiktok.com/@voces8official
We are pleased to introduce The VOCES8 Scholars 2025/26, who perform ‘Super flumina Babylonis’ by Philippe de Monte at the VOCES8 Centre in London.
Super flumina Babylonis is one of the most poignant motets of the late Renaissance. Setting Psalm 137, it captures the sorrow of the Israelites in exile, sitting by the rivers of Babylon and weeping for their lost homeland.
De Monte’s setting is full of expressive suspensions and rich harmonies, showing why he was one of the most admired composers of his generation.
TEXT (Psalm 137:1–4)
Super flumina Babylonis, illic sedimus et flevimus, cum recordaremur Sion.
In salicibus in medio eius suspendimus organa nostra.
Quia illic interrogaverunt nos qui captivos duxerunt nos verba cantionum;
et qui abduxerunt nos: Hymnum cantate nobis de canticis Sion.
Quomodo cantabimus canticum Domini in terra aliena?
TRANSLATION
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.
On the willows there we hung up our harps.
For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying:
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?
VOCES8 Scholars
Beth Yates, Kizzy Lumley-Edwards - Soprano
Phoebe Wakefield, Merel-Magali Cox - Alto
Hugo Williamson, Sebastian Roberts - Tenor
Iris Oliver, Frederic Mattes - Bass
Audio and video produced by Barnaby Smith & Katie Jeffries-Harris
Cameras: Barnaby Smith and Dan Barrett
----
VOCES8 is the no. 1 streamed classical vocal ensemble in the world. Through the VOCES8 Foundation, it runs an innovative and wide reaching education programme reaching 50,000 participants every year, with an aim to inspire people through music.
Become a member of the VOCES8 channel for exclusive performances, behind the scenes moments and early access to new releases 👉bit.ly/4bAwaNA
Subscribe to VOCES8 YouTube channel 👉 bit.ly/43Xg38H
Follow VOCES8 on:
VOCES8 Website voces8.com
VOCES8 Foundation Website https://www.voces8.foundation
Donate to the VOCES8 Foundation 👉 bit.ly/4or0UDO
Facebook facebook.com/VOCES8
Instagram instagram.com/voces8
TikTok tiktok.com/@voces8official
