Grammy-winning vocal legends ‘The Swingles’ to perform in Istanbul on April 12
A stage photo of The Swingles, one of the world's leading vocal groups and a five-time Grammy Award winner. (Photo via internationalmusic.it)
One of the world’s most acclaimed a cappella groups, “The Swingles,” will perform in Istanbul on April 12. The five-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble will take the stage at the Cemal Resit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall, hosted by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).
Celebrating over 60 years of vocal innovation
Known for pushing the boundaries of vocal music for more than six decades, “The Swingles” will present works from their latest album, Theatreland, alongside their timeless classics that have captivated fans across generations.
From rock and jazz to classical and avant-garde, the ensemble is globally celebrated for its genre-blending vocal performances. Their innovative use of live-looping—layering vocal harmonies in real time—creates a rich and immersive auditory experience.
Roots in Bach, voices for future
The origins of The Swingles date back to 1962, when American musician Ward Swingle brought together a group of Parisian studio singers to reinterpret Johann Sebastian Bach’s Das Wohltemperierte Klavier through voice. The resulting album, Jazz Sebastian Bach, became an unexpected hit, launching a new era in vocal music.
Since then, the group has evolved under various names but returned to the iconic title “The Swingles” in 2014.
They have collaborated with major artists, including Jamie Cullum, Gareth Malone, and Kurt Elling, and contributed to soundtracks for major productions such as Grey’s Anatomy, Sex and the City, and The Two Popes.
New generation of Swingles takes stage
The group’s current lineup features an international blend of talent: Mallika Bhagwat (India–U.K.), Sarah McLeod (U.S.), Scarlet Halton (U.K.), James Botcher (U.K.), Owen Butcher (U.K.), Jamie Wright (U.K.), and Tom Hartley (U.K.). This new generation carries forward the ensemble’s tradition of vocal excellence while bringing fresh energy and diversity to the stage.
Tickets for “The Swingles’” Istanbul performance are available at the CRR box office and through Biletix.
