Directly from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the multi-award winning All the King's Men are coming to Singapore and Hong Kong!

The outgoing and energetic All the King's Men have a proven track record. This year winning the Voice Festival UK led to 'the Men' being invited to New York to compete in the International Championships of Collegiate A Cappella where they were crowned best all-male collegiate a cappella group. Not only this but the group undertook a tour to California and appeared for the third successive time at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

All the King’s Men was founded less than three years ago when its Musical Director, Henry Southern, enrolled as a music undergraduate at King’s College, London. Upon his arrival he saw a gap in the university’s a cappella scene for an all-male group. After putting out posters for auditions for, at this point, an unnamed group Henry brought together twelve men who all shared a passion for music making. From this time the vision was to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2012, the summer the founding members would graduate. This summer All the King’s Men performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the third successive year and are always pushing the boundaries of their vision. Knowing that they had something special the group continue to push the boundaries of the a cappella world, wanting to become the best, they have certainly achieved more than anyone would have expected when the group began. Hugh Benson, the group’s Assistant Musical Director, explains what the group has meant to him.

“When I joined All the King's Men, a long three years ago, I had no idea of the transformation that the group would undergo to become one of the world's leading collegiate a cappella groups. I joined for a love of music, of singing and as an opportunity to expand my extra-curricular activities at university. The journey I had embarked on, however, would take me far beyond my expectations of a student society.

“All the King’s Men has gone from strength to strength musically, with the current batch of a cappella talent, from my viewpoint as Assistant Musical Director, and this year has been the peak of musical achievement during my time in the group. My musical highlight is inevitably being placed third at the International Competition of Collegiate A cappella - but this is only one among hundreds of memories of mine, dating back to our first, uncertain steps into the a cappella world, which remain as wonderful souvenirs of stimulating, inclusive, (largely) co-operative and fun group music-making.

“The management of the group has been impeccable, largely due to the tireless efforts of founder Henry Southern. The initiative, ambition and motivation of the management team has ensured that the group has constantly expanded its horizons, both figuratively and literally -- our Asia tour is the latest stop on our globe-trotting expeditions, which have taken us three times to the USA, as well as to sunny Scotland. The momentum that this has created for the group has instilled its members with excitement and anticipation on which to base their commitment. This spirit has enabled the group to work efficiently to make continued progress in all its endeavours.

All the King’s Men is a brilliant example of the potential of music and social interaction to produce hugely successful and worthwhile outcomes. Long may it continue!”

It is clear to see that All the King’s Men is unlike any other university society; instead a fraternity where relationships are the most important thing which feeds inspirational music making. The reputation of the group has attracted the finest singers from around the country. Tom Hindmarch is one of the newest members of AtKM.

“After finishing my studies at Cambridge University in 2011, having been a choral scholar for my three years there, I felt that a new challenge was in order. AtKM had, at this time, quickly emerged as one of the top UK a cappella groups, and I was immediately drawn to them by their fusion of fantastic musicianship and quality entertainment. In the midst of an academically and physically gruelling medical degree, the opportunity to sing beside such talented and dedicated individuals has been an absolute privilege filled with laughter, fun and adventure unrivalled by any previous experience. Together, we have enjoyed receiving numerous accolades and relished opportunities to perform in front of sell-out crowds and other world-renown groups. However, without doubt, the most precious part of my involvement in the group is not the plethora of awards we have been fortunate enough to receive, but instead the family I have become part of, and the friends I have shared so many fantastic experiences with.”

Demonstrating a relentless drive and enthusiasm, ‘the Men’ will be arriving in Hong Kong and Singapore at the end of the Summer, making them the first British collegiate a cappella group to tour in Asia. This year their “Asia Tour Part I” is an exciting beginning to a strong relationship with this part of the world. Particularly as they hope to be able to gather the funds to get back to China next year for “Asia Tour Part II” where they hope to embark on some more incredible adventures.

The group will be performing and running workshops in schools, colleges and universities in both of Hong Kong and Singapore and will be sharing there vivacious and energetic style at public concerts.  The group's finale will be at the cabaret hall of The Fringe Club in Hong Kong on 6 September 2012. 

To make this trip possible, after raising the majority of the finances so far themselves, All the King's Men need a final push to make sure this tour is a success and to entertain as large an audience as possible with their unique style. Funds are needed for travel, subsistence and accommodation for the group throughout their stay, as well as producing the On Tour DVD and other souvenirs for our hospitable hosts.

Along with all the other exciting projects which have led to such success this year All the King's Men are privileged to call The King's Singers front man Paul Phoenix their patron and are thankful for his encouragement and invaluable advice. This appointment has meant that the group has strengthened vocally which can be seen from their awards. Paul writes about the group:

“I have had the pleasure of working with the young, London-based 'a cappella' group, All the King's Men over the past couple of years. The group has brought something new and exciting to vocal and choral performance in the UK, with their sophisticated well-rehearsed style, and high-quality arrangements of well-chosen repertoire. This highly motivated team represents the very best of British talent: with quality singing, excellent presentation and professional attitude, setting a fine example to other ensembles around the world. The chance to perform in Asia would not only benefit All the King's Men, and deservedly raise their international profile, but also give their audiences an unforgettable experience. These fine young singers are superb ambassadors for a new generation of choral excellence with a contemporary style all of their own. I am proud to be associated with them on this 'journey' and I wish them every success.”

  From Henry Southern, All the King’s Men founder and musical director:

“Through our entrepreneurship, drive, and enthusiasm we have achieved so much. I proposed the tour to Asia as I strongly believe that this is a unique, bold, and intuitive project, which no other UK collegiate a cappella group is daring to undertake. On a personal note, this will be a fantastic way to round off my amazing experience with All the King’s Men and I will take great pride in knowing that I have been responsible for guiding the group through its infant years to where it is today.”

 From Mark Gregory's review on Broadway Baby:

"..... the third best collegiate group in the world, and from the simply phenomenal set that they flaunt in their afternoon show, it is not hard to see why. From start to finish, this show is slick, oozes professionalism and utter precision. From the first song to the last, the audience erupted with applause after each and every one as the boys in purple mesmerised with their incredible arrangements and infectious energy. ..... the wall of sound that hit the audience from the small stage was gobsmacking.

..... Most impressive was Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’ and Snow Patrol’s ‘Run’, which was tackled immensely with a beautiful, low, dulcet solo that slithered coolly into the hearts of each and every audience member.

The boys are at their finest when they sing slower, close harmony numbers. Jeff Buckley’s ‘Hallelujah’, though it has been extensively covered, was given a new lease of life with a fresh arrangement and induced goosebumps. The real triumph of the evening was their arrangement of Imogen Heap’s ‘Hide and Seek’, which was sheer musical perfection. The dynamics were phenomenal and the staccato and legato were intricately and unanimously observed.

There are many collegiate a cappella groups to choose from at this year’s festival, but this is one of the finest. It would be foolish to miss it.”