The Chapel Choir of St Chad’s College, directed by Cameron Davies and accompanied by organ scholar Guy Hepher, shed light on some well-known and less-known music of the 20^th and 21^st centuries, from Herbert Howells through to the popular contemporary composers Eric Whitacre and Jonathan Dove.

Herbert Howells’s Requiem is a poignant and introspective work that blends lush harmonies and profound emotional depth. Inspired by personal loss and spiritual reflection, it stands as a masterpiece of 20th-century choral music, evoking both sorrow and solace through its rich, meditative textures.  The anthem Like as the hart is another piece of deep reflection, setting the text from Psalm 42, and Here is the little door encapsulates the beauty of the Nativity, sung at Christmastide and Epiphany.

The second half of the programme shifts to the 21^st century, ranging from intricate and rich expression to minimalist, avant-garde works.  Such examples include the work of Arvo Pärt in a recent commission from Durham University, as well as works written recently by postgraduate composition student, Thomas Lavender, from St Chad’s College.  The evening concludes with some “favourites” from the choir throughout the year, including Eric Whitacre’s atmospheric Lux aurumque and Seek Him that Maketh the Seven Stars by Jonathan Dove.

Free, with a retiring collection in aid of future projects of the College Chapel Choir