RELEASE DATE: Sunday 15 December 2024
WATCH NOW (Available Sunday 15 December 2024, 9.00am)
Following a busy and celebratory weekend of services on 15 and 16 June, the Choristers were straight back to work on the following Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings to make a video recording of Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols with harpist Olivia Jageurs, directed by Alexander Hamilton.
The Choristers’ annual performance around Candlemas of this special piece has become a much-loved fixture in the Cathedral calendar, supporting the work of Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust.
Alexander Hamilton, Acting Director of Music, said:
“One of the joys of a cathedral choir is that it is ever-evolving, as probationers begin their journey and senior choristers move on, often after many years of dedicated service. At this point in the summer term with just a few weeks to go before the end of the Cathedral Choir year, this always feels like the point when the Choristers are at the top of their game.
“I wanted to plan a recording project to capture this transient moment, before the Choir disperse for the summer and a new chapter begins in September. Over the past three evenings, the Choristers have worked incredibly hard recording Britten’s magical A Ceremony of Carols, a piece which they adore.Recording both audio and video, and trying to capture the essence of live performance is a demanding process, but every Chorister rose to the challenge and gave their all.
“It has been a huge pleasure to work with harpist Olivia Jageurs, producer Barry Rose, and sound engineer David Hinitt to create something together which I know will be very special indeed.”
We are delighted that the performance will be made available to watch online from Sunday 15 December 2024 at 9.00am. Do keep an eye out for updates as the date approaches on the Cathedral Facebook page.
The Choristers next concert performance of A Ceremony of Carols will be on Saturday 1 February 2025. More information will be available soon!