CHORAL music recorded by Durham Cathedral Choir has been released.
The CD, recorded by Priory Records, includes the first ever recording of renowned composer James MacMillan’s Missa Dunelmi, or Durham Mass, which was given its world premiere last year. It was specially commissioned by Durham Cathedral, and the recording was launched at a reception after evensong today, Sunday.
The choir has sung the Mass both at home and abroad with performances in France, Germany and Holland.
James Lancelot, master of the choristers and organist, said: “I am confident that it will take its place in the repertoire as a valued setting of the liturgy.”
The CD is also the first recording of the choir, using the girls’ treble voices as the top line.
Mr Lancelot said: “The introduction in 2009 of a team of girl Choristers to sing as members of the cathedral choir was both immensely exciting and rewarding and also an expression of faith in the future of English cathedral music in an era which rightly values much more greatly the role of women in society.
“It has been thrilling to pass the various milestones on the journey so far, and the first CD recording to feature the girl choristers is a major milestone. “The continuing development of the English choral tradition, using both girl and boy choristers here at Durham, is something to celebrate.”
The CD is available from the cathedral shop.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here