New Classics

James Whitbourn is an internationally-renowned composer recognised by The Observer as ‘a truly original communicator in modern British choral music’. Currently Senior Research Fellow at St. Stephen’s House, Oxford and a member of the Faculty of Music in the University of Oxford, his career began at the BBC, where he has worked as composer, conductor, producer and presenter. His compositional output is admired for its direct connection with performers and audiences worldwide and for its ability to ‘expand the experience of classical music beyond the edges of the traditional map of classical styles’ (Tom Manoff, NPR). He was commissioned to compose the music to mark several national and international events, including music for the broadcast of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and music for the national commemoration of 9/11 at Westminster Abbey.

His beautiful and restrained choral works have been performed in prestigious venues around the world and been heard on many acclaimed recordings, with three Grammy nominations including Best Choral Performance for Annelies, which set words from The Diary of Anne Frank. The major work on this new CD release is a world premiere recording of Whitbourn’s The Seven Heavens, a musical biography of C.S. Lewis. This suite in seven movements for choir and chamber ensemble was commissioned by the accomplished Cor Cantiamo, an acclaimed professional ensemble which is the current Choir in Residence at Northern Illinois University, USA. As well as the inspiring title work, the album also includes seven pieces for choir, all brilliantly performed by Cor Cantiamo.

Highlights include the beautiful Ada, timeless Video Caelos Apertos and soulful Canticle of Simeon.

—John Pitt