The Sixteen's tenor Mark talks James MacMillan, unusual habits and iconic choral music

What is the best thing about singing with The Sixteen?
Without question the people. We have an almost criminal amount of fun.

What is your favourite Sixteen anecdote or memory?
I can’t tell most of them – they’d get me in trouble.

Is there a piece you have fallen in love with since performing it with The Sixteen?
Anything by James Macmillan, but especially his Miserere, which brings a lump to my throat every time.

If you could go back in time and be present at any historical performance, what would it be?
It would be interesting to be in Notre Dame on Christmas Day 1199, when Viderunt Omnes, by Pertain, was first performed. Supposedly it was the first piece of music ever composed in four parts and it certainly has a very striking sonority. I reckon back then, after centuries of just plainchant and organum, it would have blown people’s minds…

What has been the most challenging piece of music you have ever performed?
I’d probably say Friede auf Erden by Schoenberg. I performed it with Frieder Bernius and World Youth Choir in… ahem, well, when I was a youth. Although it was seriously difficult we did have a lot of rehearsal time and it was definitely worth the effort.

Does anyone in The Sixteen have any unusual habits?! If so, what are they?
Dan Collins. He has an unusual routine in a dressing room. He’ll always set up next to someone else (often tenor Jeremy Budd) and then his belongings sort of spread like plasma and annex the spaces around him. We call it Dan-spreading.

What do you do to relax in your spare time?
I love a crossword. Books and box-sets of course. Occasional gardening and DIY. And even more occasional golf.

Was there anyone who inspired you to become a singer? Is there anyone who continues to inspire you today?
In all honesty, no one in particular. I was inspired to sing because I was short and unsporty, and being a good singer was the only way I could get myself noticed by all the girls I was in love with at 16. Sorry, but that’s the truth!

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t a musician?
Probably something indescribably boring with numbers.

What would your ultimate desert island disc be?
Probably some Billy Joel or Paul Simon. I doubt it would be anything classical, honestly.

What would you eat for your last supper?
Eggs Benedict.