There is a tradition among the Greek peoples of the singing of carols (‘Kalanda’) on Christmas Eve. This album is a set of carols newly composed by Greek-Cypriot composer Cilia Petridou. As musical works they also qualify as art-song in fine performances by three excellent sopranos. For those who love Christmas music but want something new, this album will fit the bill.

The three sopranos each take a number of solo carols and form a trio for the last two; Lesley-Jane and Alison have both worked with the composer for some time and also made several highly-praised recordings for Divine Art and Metier.

Cilia Petridou was an accomplished pianist until her career was ended by major surgery, since when she has concentrated on composition. Though she moved to England in 1965, she is deeply affected by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and the still unresolved political situation on the island. While some of her music such as that included on the album “Sounds of the Chionistra” reflects this tragedy, her Kalanda are bright and full of joy.

The Carols are sung in Greek. texts and English translations included in the booklet.