‘Ethereal’: The Guardian (2025)

The Hildegard Singers are an upper voices consort founded in 2024 by Hadeal Abdelatti and Heidi Homewood. The group aims to showcase the depth and versatility of upper voices repertoire, as well as acknowledging the vast contributions of women in music. Named after the pioneering composer Hildegard von Bingen, the consort specialises in performing her music creatively, as well as working with living composers to develop new commissions inspired by Hildegard’s ethereal chants.

The consort is based in Cambridge and hopes to inspire more opportunities for women as they compose and sing. Within their first year, The Hildegard Singers performed in many historical venues across Cambridge University, their inaugural concert being in the chapel of Girton College. Established in 1869 by Emily Davies and Barbara Bodichon, Girton was a fitting venue as it was the first Cambridge college to admit women. This first concert explored repertoire written by female composers throughout the ages, from Renaissance composers d'Este and Aleotti all the way to contemporary composers such as Amy Beach and Cecila McDowall. The Hildegard Singers have since enjoyed performing at King’s College Cambridge in celebration of International Women’s Day. The consort appeared in the Brecon Choir Festival, giving a concert described by the Guardian as “ethereal”.