NANOVOX
In March, VOX proudly launched NanoVOX—a small vocal ensemble dedicated to exploring the expressive possibilities contained within intimate forces. Showcasing the versatility of our singers, this is choral music up close.
NanoVOX is VOX in miniature—a compact constellation of voices distilling choral music to its essence. NanoVOX takes its name from the Latin nanus ('very small') and the scientific prefix 'nano', denoting one-billionth. Just as visible light is measured in nanometres, NanoVOX brings choral singing into a more finely-focused frame—reduced in scale, yet expansive in expression.
NanoVOX 1-Plus: 'Celebrating DNA Day and Photo 51'
In celebration of 'DNA Day' last month—commemorating the publication in April 1953 of three groundbreaking papers in the scientific journal Nature that revealed the molecular structure of DNA—the voices of NanoVOX filled the Wolfson Pavilion Foyer of the UCT Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM).
In his capacity as an IDM Fellow, John presented a lunchtime talk introducing a striking new vocal work by Cecilia McDowall inspired by Photo 51, the extraordinary X-ray diffraction image produced by Rosalind Franklin and Raymond Gosling that was pivotal in uncovering DNA's double-helical structure. Scored for five voices (sung by Lia, Anna, Sammy, Dirk and John), the piece weaves fragments of Franklin's own words into the music. John's presentation reflected on Franklin's contribution to the discovery while celebrating the broader role of women in shaping modern science.
Following VOX's performance at the South African Astronomical Observatory last year for The Place of the Stars, this event marked another step in our ongoing exploration of interdisciplinary collaboration—bridging the arts and the sciences to connect perspectives, reframe narratives and spark new ways of thinking.
NanoVOX 1: Introducing NanoVOX
As part of The Light Behind the Trees, an exhibition by Shelley Kibel celebrating the healing power of the arts, VOX proudly launches NanoVOX—a small vocal ensemble dedicated to exploring the expressive possibilities contained within intimate forces. Showcasing the versatility of our singers, this is choral music up close.
NanoVOX is VOX in miniature—a compact constellation of voices distilling choral music to its essence. The programme spans centuries and styles, weaving together works by Tallis, Sheppard, Dowland, Bruckner, Stanford, Arvo Pärt, Martin Watt and Coldplay.
NanoVOX takes its name from the Latin nanus ('very small') and the scientific prefix 'nano', denoting one-billionth. Just as visible light is measured in nanometres, NanoVOX brings choral singing into a more finely-focused frame—reduced in scale, yet expansive in expression. Set within the warm resonance of 6 Spin Street, this historic Herbert Baker building overlooking Church Square provides the perfect setting for NanoVOX's debut.
Wednesday 18 March 2026 from 7 PM to 8 PM
6 Spin Street, Cape Town
"Thank you again for a truly beautiful evening of music. The singing was exquisite and the choice of music beautifully varied and interesting. It complemented the exhibition perfectly. Hoping you will do many more."
"Loved the concert and concept. Great venue. Blue Bird and Lacrimosa were stand-outs for me. BRAVO!"
This concert formed the heart of 'EquiVOX', a trilogy of events in 2026 coinciding with the Autumn Equinox when day and night are in cosmic balance. Reflecting this harmonious equilibrium, EquiVOX explored the same musical threads in three distinct forms—transcription, ensemble singing and recording.
VOX Without the Voices at St George's Cathedral (17/03) | Introducing 'NanoVOX' at 6 Spin Street (18/03) | Launch of The Place of the Stars EP