English Arts Chorale

Contemporary music by some outstanding living composers

Singing day with Ralph Allwood

MORTEN LAURIDSEN
Sure on this Shining Night

Lauridsen’s lyrical setting, with its long melodic phrases, conveys the feelings of wonder and peace in James Agee’s mysterious star-lit poem.
 

ERIC WHITACRE
Sleep

The composer chose this dreamy piece for his first “Virtual Choir” compiled from thousands of YouTube submissions from singers around the world.
 

PAUL MEALOR
A Spotless Rose

You may recognise this text as a Christmas carol, derived from an old German hymn. Listen for the deep bass notes in Mealor’s setting.
 

JAMES MACMILLAN
O Radiant Dawn

Macmillan’s setting is a formal yet heartfelt salutation to the rising sun. The text is one of seven ancient celebratory chants, sung or recited at midwinter.
 

PAUL MEALOR
Ubi Caritas

“Where there is kindness.” Sung at the royal wedding in 2011, this exquisite motet features a progression of rich chords and dissonances.