Matthew Martin:
Novo profusi gaudio

Judith Weir:
Drop down, ye heavens, from above

Henry John Gauntlett, harm. Arthur Henry Mann:
Once in royal David’s city (arr. James O’Donnell)

James MacMillan:
O radiant dawn

Ghislaine Reece-Trapp:
Alleluia! A new work is come on hand

Andrew Carter:
Mary’s Magnificat

John Tavener:
Ex Maria Virgine - Ave rex angelorum

Richard Allain:
Lullay, myn lyking

Cecilia McDowall:
Now may we singen

John Rutter:
The King of Blis

Elizabeth Poston:
Jesus Christ the apple tree

Roxanna Panufnik:
Angels Sing - Jesus Christ is born

Richard Wilberforce:
My musick shine

Felix Mendelssohn:
Hark! The herald angels sing (arr. David Willcocks)

William Mathias:
Sir Christemas

Alexander Campkin:
Sleep, holy babe

It came upon the midnight clear (arr. David Willcocks)
O little town of Bethlehem (arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams)
O come, all ye faithful (arr. David Willcocks)

The festival of Christmas means many things to many people. Its status as an international public holiday provides a rare opportunity for families and friends from far and wide to come together. Being creatures of habit, many communities establish rituals to prepare for and mark the occasion, finding comfort in the familiarity of an annual structure. For some, the birth of Christ the Saviour is at the centre of these practices, while others regard Christmas as a secular celebration characterised by Santa and mulled wine.

These diverse, multifaceted traditions of Advent and Christmas are explored throughout Now may we singen. With works by composers of different generations, backgrounds and musical legacies, Christmas as both ancient holy day and modern, ever evolving holiday is embraced by Timothy Garrard (director), Ben Bloor (organ) and the Choir of Westminster School through bold, characterful musical interpretations.

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Recorded in Keble College Chapel, Oxford from 4th to 6th January 2018.