Grammy-winning The Swingles perform live in Istanbul

The world-renowned a cappella ensemble The Swingles, winners of five Grammy Awards, captivated audiences at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Cemal Resit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall with a dazzling live performance.

Known for their rich vocal harmonies and innovative techniques, the seven-member British group offered a musical journey that transcended genres and generations.

A vocal universe created by the human voice alone

Presented under the title “The Swingles: Live”, the concert showcased the group’s mastery in vocal arrangements with an entirely voice-only performance—no instruments involved.

The first half featured pieces arranged by the ensemble members themselves, including “Lovers D,” “The Wedding,” “Maybe This Time,” “Accustomed,” “Edelweiss,” “Little Organ,” “Badinerie,” “Forgotten,” “WTF,” and “Air.”

From the Balkans to broadway and Black Sea

The second half of the concert began with “Bucimis”, a traditional Balkan melody, and continued with the emotional renditions of “Hallelujah” and “Goodbye Eng.”

For the encore, the group delighted the crowd with a heartfelt version of the beloved Turkish folk song “Gemiler Giresun’a,” paying tribute to the Black Sea region.

A legacy of vocal innovation spanning over 6 decades

Comprised of Mallika Bhagwat, Sarah McLeod, Scarlet Halton, James Botcher, Owen Butcher, Jamie Wright, and Tom Hartley, The Swingles brought their signature blend of contemporary vocal artistry to Istanbul.

The concert’s technical direction and sound design were led by Jacques Golding, enhancing the layered aural experience.

Modern vocal techniques meet timeless repertoire

Founded in 1962 by Ward Swingle, the group has performed under various names—The Swingle Singers, Swingle II, and The New Swingle Singers—before returning to their original moniker, The Swingles, in 2014. Their unique fusion of jazz, classical, folk, and musical theatre has left a mark not only on the stage but also in the soundtracks of numerous film and television productions.

The Swingles’ Istanbul performance showcased their use of cutting-edge vocal methods such as live-looping, enabling them to create a complex, multi-layered soundscape in real time. With a legacy spanning more than 60 years, the group continues to push the boundaries of what the human voice can achieve—bridging cultures and styles, and proving that music knows no borders.