Voting closes 3 March for BBC Music Magazine Awards 2026 – three recordings shortlisted for Choral Award
Voting is now open for the 2026 awards presented by BBC Music Magazine, with the public invited to choose this year’s winners across multiple categories, including the Choral Award. Voting closes on 3 March.
Three recordings have been shortlisted for the 2026 Choral Award:
Bach – Mass in B minor
Julie Roset (soprano), Beth Taylor (mezzo-soprano), Lucile Richardot (alto) et al; Pygmalion/Raphaël Pichon. Harmonia Mundi HMM902754.55 (2CD).
A new recording of Bach’s monumental Mass in B minor from Pygmalion under Raphaël Pichon has been praised for bringing a fresh perspective to this cornerstone of the choral repertoire, with spirited and finely detailed performances from the period-instrument ensemble and choir.
Handel – Chandos Anthems
Arcangelo/Jonathan Cohen. Alpha Classics ALPHA1153.
Arcangelo, directed by Jonathan Cohen, is nominated for its recording of Handel’s Chandos Anthems. The album has been noted for its intricate polyphonic detail and expressive intensity, delivered with characteristic stylistic precision.
A Prayer for Deliverance
Works by Richard Rodney Bennett, Gustav Holst, John Tavener, Cecilia McDowall, Francis Pott, Caroline Shaw et al
Tenebrae/Nigel Short. Signum Classics SIGCD880
Nigel Short and Tenebrae are shortlisted for a programme centred on a contemporary setting of Psalm 13, exploring themes of light, darkness and rest. The disc brings together works by a range of British and international composers.
The BBC Music Magazine Awards are decided by public vote following shortlisting by the magazine’s critics. Choirs, conductors and listeners are encouraged to cast their vote before the deadline on 3 March.