Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This carol concert is based around the order of service that we would expect to follow if part of the large congregation who attend the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in York Minster every Christmas Eve. As is traditional, we open with "Once In Royal David's City" with Billy Marshall giving a perfect treble solo before the full harmonies and descant come in. This is a strong opening and shows us just how good the choir is. What follows maintains the high standard with a varied programme of old favourites ("Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", "O Come All Ye Faithful", "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear", "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" and such like) along with some unfamiliar items including first recordings of new carols by Richard Shephard, Chamberlain at York Minster, ("Promise Of Peace") and John Scott Whiteley, the organist on this recording ("Regis Tharsis"). My personal favourite of the less familiar songs is Francis Poulenc's "Hodie Christus Natus Est" but with a total of 20 pieces on this CD that is quite a difficult choice. This is Robert Sharpe's first recording as Director of Music with the Minster Choir since his move from Truro in September 2008; we hope there will be many more to follow.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.