The Choir of Merton College joins forces with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra for a recording of director Benjamin Nicholas’s favourite popular carols. Two of John Rutter’s most exquisite works are complemented by orchestral versions of wellloved traditional fare. From the ecstatic brass fanfares that introduce O come, all ye faithful and Hark! the herald angels sing to the intimate performances of Elizabeth Poston’s beautiful Jesus Christ the apple tree and Morten Lauridsen’s O magnum mysterium, Christmas old and new is celebrated with a fresh sense of all its magic and glory. The choir and orchestra loved making this recording, and it shows.