The King’s Singers (founded in 1968) and VOCES8 (founded in 2003) are two of the finest close-harmony vocal ensembles in the country, and, indeed, the world. Although racking up millions of views for their collaborations on YouTube, the two ensembles have never actually performed live together on stage… until now. The auditorium is packed to the rafters for the event, with about six thousand turning up on a hot Sunday morning, giving a thunderous ovation before they’ve even entered the stage.

Certainly it is a privilege to hear the two join forces for Billy Joel’s “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)” (arr. Philip Lawson), their big YouTube hit. But having the chance to hear the combined forces try out new material is utterly mesmerising. The concert opens with modern, challenging material, including Bob Chilcott’s 2008 take on “High Flight” (after the famous poem by pilot John Gillespie Magee Jr.): a mesmerising performance that utilises arrhythmic chattering to build to a climax. In “Stars” (2011) by Ēriks Ešenvalds, the singers also rub the rim of wine glasses (while singing), creating a magical, astral effect.

There is also opportunity to hear both ensembles by themselves. Though already an established brand name, the 6-piece King’s Singers in 2024 comprises all new, young members; some only joined in 2019. Their trio of Disney songs brings the house down, particularly their jazzy, skittish arrangement of “When I See an Elephant Fly” (arr. Nick Ashby). 8-piece VOCES8, known for their utterly pure tone and blend, also take a delightful foray into jazz, with a finger-clicking, choreographed swing through “Come Fly With Me” and “Fly Me to the Moon” (in an ingenious arrangement by Alexander L’Estrange).

These are two vocal groups on top of the world, with a fanbase to match. Their talent, beauty and synchronicity is quite literally jaw-dropping. Hope to see a lot more of these guys at the Proms and beyond.

Tickets for all 73 Proms are available from just £8 on the BBC Proms 2024 website.