Welcome to the 2025 BBC Music Magazine Awards in association with Cruise Collective.
The nominated recordings for the 2025 Vocal Award are listed below.
The nominees for the 2025 Vocal Award
Close-ups
Works by Hildegard, Strozzi, Pinel, Errollyn Wallen and Héloïse Werner
Héloïse Werner (cello, soprano), Max Baillie (violin, viola, hardanger fiddle) et al
Delphian DCD34312
Grunts, shrieks, hums… this is no ordinary performance. Indeed, Héloïse Werner’s vocal gymnastics always stand out from the crowd, and no less so in this luminous showcase of songs, including Werner’s own ‘Unspecified Intentions’, described in our review as a ‘gurgling, haunting wordless adventure.’
ROBESON
Songs etc by JS Bach, Kern, E Robinson, Rodgers, Davóne Tines et al
Davóne Tines (bass-baritone); The Truth
Nonesuch 7559 789891
The story of the great Paul Robeson was reinterpreted through a contemporary lens in this fascinating album of songs performed by American bass-baritone Davóne Tines, who described it as his ‘most personal artistic statement to date.’ Brilliantly theatrical, this was a bold and powerful album.
Rita Strohl
Songs
Elsa Dreisig (soprano), Romain Louveau (piano)
La Boîte à Pépites BAP04-05
‘Justice cannot be done in a few words to the discoveries on this revelatory double album, with high production values, starry musicians and crystal-clear sound.’ So said our April review (‘Choral & Song Choice’) of this resplendent release of songs by the little-known French composer on a fine young label celebrating overlooked women composers.
Vote for the winner of this year's Vocal Award
Voting runs from Thursday 23 January to Friday 28 February. You can vote for your favourite from our three Vocal nominees below.
The purpose of this vote is to allow users to share their opinions on the shortlisted recordings for the BBC Music Magazine Awards. While the results will be of interest to other users and the BBC Music Magazine editorial team, it is not a representative sample and only reflects the views of those who choose to participate. Full terms and conditions can be found on our Terms and Conditions page.
