WARNER CLASSICS SIGNS EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT WITH ALL-WOMEN VOCAL ENSEMBLE LYYRA
Their first single on the label – out on 7 March – is an arrangement of Vienna Teng’s ‘The Hymn of Acxiom’ for International Women’s Day
“Exceptional versatility and skill” – BBC Radio 3
“They are still at the beginning but their sound is already perfect” – PNP.de
“Upon hearing Lyyra, my heart soared: its vibrant and captivating sound filled me with instant joy” – Barnaby Smith, Artistic Director of VOCES8
Warner Classics has signed an exclusive agreement with the all-women vocal ensemble Lyyra. The first recording under this new partnership will be a digital single of Vienna Teng’s evocative song The Hymn of Acxiom, set for release on 7 March in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Lyyra is redefining the role of upper-voice ensembles in the choral landscape, highlighting the astonishing capabilities of women’s vocal artistry. With a broad texture and exhilarating range of sound, the group’s talented individuals, each from quite different backgrounds and traditions, excel across classical, jazz, pop, and folk, setting a new standard for a capella performance.
Formed through a global open call and rigorous audition process by The VOCES8 Foundation, Lyyra takes its name from the star system which represents Orpheus’ lyre in Greek mythology. Lyyra has already built a considerable following at home and made their European debut earlier this year, with more US and European dates to come this summer.
Lyyra’s line-up is Anna Crumley, Mary Ruth Miller, Elizabeth Tait, Aryssa Leigh Burrs, Ingrid Johnson, and Cecille Elliott.
Their first Warner Classics single, The Hymn of Acxiom, is a new arrangement of singer-songwriter Vienna Teng’s haunting reflection on the intersection of technology and human connection. As Teng explains: “As human beings, we have this deep need, this deep desire to be understood, to be seen, to have the sense that someone knows everything we do.”
As the only professional women’s a cappella sextet based in the USA, Lyyra is committed to highlighting the works of women composers from Hildegard von Bingen through to the modern day. In line with The VOCES8 Foundation’s global vision to foster meaningful educational outreach alongside world-class concerts, Lyyra aims to use their music to inspire change.
Lyyra said: “We are thrilled to be joining the Warner Classics family and can’t wait to share our music with new audiences. We hope to bring a uniquely American voice to the world of a capella, crafting performances that reflect who we are as six individual artists and as a unified ensemble.”
Alain Lanceron, President, Warner Classics and Erato, adds: “We are incredibly thrilled to be welcoming Lyyra to the Warner Classics family. Although only formed a year ago, they have quickly become one of the most compelling vocal ensembles in the world today, performing a range of repertoire across musical genres and inspiring change through educational programmes as much as their music. We are extremely excited to help bring Lyyra and their music to new audiences worldwide.”
Erik Jacobson, Executive Director of VOCES8 Foundation USA, said: “Lyyra and everyone at The VOCES8 Foundation are so excited for this opportunity to work with Warner Classics. This ensemble is truly special. Their ability to bring truth and depth to everything they sing, moving effortlessly between sound worlds, whether blending as one or showcasing their individual brilliance, is unlike anything else in the choral scene today.”
The Hymn of Acxiom is available on all streaming services from 7 March 2025.