Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

It is always nice when an old friend introduces us to someone new. This is the eighth CD that Sarah MacDonald and The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge have made with Regent Records, and the third where they have collaborated with Ely Cathedral Girls' Choir, so we can be confident that the singers know what they are doing. The new name is that of John Hosking who is probably best known as an organist but may soon be better known as a composer. He is currently Assistant Director of Music at St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales and was a prize-winning student at the Royal College of Music. Hosking continued his studies with the late Nicholas Danby and Margaret Philips and was appointed Organ Scholar of Westminster Abbey in 1996 becoming the only person to have held this post for three years. No doubt this practical experience has given him a deep knowledge both of what works in a liturgical setting and of the choral tradition's rich repertoire and in this collection, all of which are first recordings, he announces his presence as a new voice bringing an exciting and dynamic approach to writing for the Church. The music is melodious and memorable, ranging from exquisite miniatures, such as "A Royal Blessing", written for the birth of Prince George of Cambridge in 2013 that reminds us of John Rutter, to a massive setting of the Te Deum. Also included is Hosking's short Requiem. This is music that will probably only be used in worship by professional choirs but which can be appreciated by all who enjoy a contemporary approach to traditional texts. We have already commended the singing of both choirs but should also applaud the soprano soloist Olivia Hunt and the two organists, Timothy Parsons and Alexander Berry, all of whom add to our enjoyment.

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