Voces8 performs Dougie MacLean's 'Caledonia' with choir 

I was so privileged to be at this concert. We don't usually get these experiences in USA flyover land. The beauty of the voices and the acoustics of that amazing church made this absolutely stunning. I can't help but laugh that this is an ancient Scottish folk song that dates all the way back to...1977, when Dougie McLean was sitting on a beach, homesick for Scotland ("Caledonia" was the name the Romans gave that land) and composed this in less than an hour.

The beauty of the perfect intonation of these singers - ensemble and choir - is delightful. When I started singing in really good choirs, I thought that what I was experiencing was the sound of heaven. Guys and girls, what you did here is just that sound.

I always love hearing Voces8 and they are great here, as usual. But I was also struck by the richness of the sound coming from the St. Michael-Albertville Concert Choir. They may be one of the best high school level choirs I have heard in a very long time. They are getting a tone and a resonance that is well beyond what is typical of a high school level choir, sounding more like not just a college level choir, but a REALLY good college choir. But I guess I am not surprised because the upper midwest produces some truly outstanding choral groups.

The chorus makes me cry every time. Blessed be!

I don't know if you can see the changes that have come over me In these last few days I've been afraid that I might drift away So I've been telling old stories, singing songs That make me think about where I came from And that's the reasons why I seem so far away today Oh and let me tell you that I love you That I think about you all the time Caledonia you're calling me and now I'm going home For if I should become a stranger You know that it would make me more than sad Caledonia's been everything I've ever had Oh and I have moved and I've kept on moving Proved the points that I needed proving Lost the friends that I needed losing, found others on the way Oh and I have tried and kept on trying Stolen dreams, yes there's no denying I have travelled hard with conscience flying somewhere with the wind Oh and let me tell you that I love you That I think about you all the time Caledonia you're calling me and now I'm going home For if I should become a stranger You know that it would make me more than sad Caledonia's been everything I've ever had Now I'm sitting here before the fire, the empty room, the forest choir The flames that couldn't get any higher Well they've withered, now they've gone But I'm steady thinking My way is clear and I know what I will do tomorrow When the hands have shaken and the kisses flow, well I will disappear Oh and let me tell you that I love you That I think about you all the time Caledonia you're calling me and now I'm going home For if I should become a stranger You know that it would make me more than sad Caledonia's been everything I've ever had

Absolutely brilliant. Calendonia is one of my all time favorites by VOCES8, and this version is stunningly beautiful. The richness and pureness of the voices is just incredible.

Had totally missed this. Absolutely love both VOCES8 _and_ Dougie MacLean. I had the opportunity to see VOCES8 live, just kind of dropped into my lap. I can only say that if you ever get the chance, don't miss them. It was unforgettable.

Heartbreaking! Thanks so much for this performance!

Absolutely sublime!

Beautiful 😭❤️

I love Voces8 and I love this song. I’ve sung in many choirs, including some outstanding ones, and listened to God knows how many choirs. The sound that this choir makes is extraordinary. Absolutely gorgeously blended, balanced, rich, warm sound. This is as beautiful as any that I’ve listened to. I’m in awe of these singers and their director. Bravo. Thank you.

This is such art. Thank you for sharing this

Absolutely gorgeous sounds!

Absolutely beautiful.

Totally amazing. The resonance and balance of the soloists and the choir are spectacular!

I so love this! And Blake's voice is exquisite!

Literally goosebumps all the performance long

OMG this is just gorgeous! Those harmonies are absolutely amazing. Thank you!!!!

Beautiful piece and lovely singing

Absolutely breathtaking. 😍😢 Greetings from New Zealand ❤

I’ve loved “Caledonia” forever. It’s amazing to listen to this! Beautiful arrangement.

A stunning performance. Thank you Voces8 and the equally wonderful St Michael-Albertville Concert Choir. Love from Australia.

Simply Epic!! Love from India🇮🇳

Really stunning !

What a fantastic evening! What a fine choir! Great opportunity for those students!

Como siempre, totalmente coordinado, afinado y sublime. 👏😍

This is beauty.

Che mazzata! Veramente eccezionali! 👏👏👏

Beautifully done ❤

You all sound amazing!!!

Thank you, from Lockdown Wyoming. Such a blessing to see this. Be well, everyone.😷💞🌟

so great! i really wish i was there

Magnificent in every way. Having covered a few pieces from the folk canon please Voces 8 look at the many, many fine songsmiths that folk and roots music has produced. The vein is rich and rewarding.

This should definitely have more views

You can hear the harmonies so much better here than on the enchanted isle album, I love it! A lot of new things stuck out to me

This is my school and we are singing with Voces8 tomorrow 😊

Happy chills.

As a Scottish heritage lass I love this-but Bobby Watts’ is my favourite folk version if memory serves...

Blissful music

What if we never get to see choirs together like this again 😢

As a Scot, I was surprised how much this beautiful song, full of longing for the homeland, was so suitable for the VOCES8 treatment. They are a supremely talented group of singers. However, it should always be a simple song, without mass voices, (the addition of the other large choir, however good) is not so appropriate. Have you heard Voces8 sing Elgar: Nimrod (Lux Aeterna)? I defy anyone to find any choral work to compete in the emotion stakes with that. Astounding, hankies at the ready!!

I cried and its real

💛💙

Somewhere there is a class or seminar or something that teaches audience members how to cough during the silent moments.

How common for me to make a comment on Katie looking so smooth in the beautifully cut dress. Now, I will return to the performance, I hope! Thanks to you all!

I love this version. It is so different to every other one out there. Seems a really weird choice for a group like yours but koudos to whoever arranged it, they did a fantastic job.

4.14 really warm bass notes

Also Celtic Woman song. I love it.

Acknowledging that VO8 performers are singing an arrangement they might not be familiar with, I noted that the accompanying choir needed no sheet music for their parts. It’s great to see Voces8 in a "natural" environment with their voices still pure and clear in a non - studio recording. . Or maybe it’s all been remastered, but a nice rendition regardless.

1:11 the guy smashed the timing of the cough 🤙

Whose arrangement is this? It is breathtaking!

😭

I actually sang with them during this concert, but not in this song

There is nothing more choral than those first three chords 😂

レベル高い…！

H

First of all let me say I love Voces8. But this has to be the weakest harmony and arrangement from them I have heard. Not sure if its the recording or the acoustics, but it lacks something. Just my opinion and I will not stop listening to them just because of this recording. Caledonia is performed much better by Celtic Women on 'A new Journey' much more alive.

Sadly this is a travesty of the original song.

Totally amazing. The resonance and balance of the soloists and the choir are spectacular!

I don't know if you can see The changes that have come over me In these last few days I've been afraid That I might drift away So I've been telling old stories, singing songs That make me think about where I came from And that's the reason why I seem So far away today Oh, but let me tell you that I love you That I think about you all the time Caledonia you're calling me And now I'm going home If I should become a stranger You know that it would make me more than sad Caledonia's been everything I've ever had Oh and I have moved and I've kept on moving Proved the points that I needed proving Lost the friends that I needed losing Found others on the way Oh and I have tried and kept on trying Stolen dreams yes there's no denying I have traveled far with conscience…