Salisbury Cathedral Choir release first Christmas album in over a decade
It includes a new, specially written local carol
The Salisbury Cathedral Choir is releasing its first Christmas album for over a decade today (Wednesday 15th November), on its own recently founded Salisbury Cathedral record label.
It's a collection of Christmas carols old and new, sung by the girl, boy and adult members of the Choir, accompanied by John Challenger on the famous father Willis organ and directed by David Halls.
Many of the works on the album have a Salisbury link - several are arrangements by the late Sir David Willcocks, Organist at Salisbury Cathedral in the 1940s.
Herbert Howells, another former Salisbury organist, is represented on 'Sing lullaby', and a new work - 'Toccata on the Advent hymn ‘Wachet auf’' - is by David Halls, the Cathedral’s current Director of Music.
Errollyn Wallen, the award-winning composer, was commissioned by Salisbury Cathedral Choir to write 'Salisbury Carol'.
That was first performed in Salisbury Cathedral on 22nd December 2022, and is a tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
David Halls, Salisbury Cathedral’s Director of Music, said:
“Christmas is a very special time of year at the Cathedral, and we welcome thousands of worshippers and concert-goers over this very busy period. The selection of works on this album incorporates several old and well-known Christmas carols as well as newer works, and I’m delighted that, through this new album, we can share the joy of Christmas from Salisbury Cathedral with people at home.”
Physical copies of Salisbury Christmas are available to purchase from Salisbury Cathedral shop or online via the Cathedral’s website.
Proceeds from sales of recordings released by Salisbury Cathedral continue to support the music projects there.