Celebrate the festive season with "A Christmas Festival," a captivating collection of beloved carols and enchanting compositions performed by the renowned Cambridge Singers, conducted by the esteemed John Rutter. This album, released on October 1, 2008, under the Collegium label, is a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary Christmas music, spanning a diverse range of styles and influences.
The album features a stellar lineup of performers, including the Cambridge Singers, the award-winning Farnham Youth Choir, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, all under the skilled direction of John Rutter. The ensemble delivers a stunning array of 21 tracks, including classic carols like "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," as well as lesser-known gems and original compositions by Rutter himself.
"A Christmas Festival" showcases Rutter's signature style, characterized by its lush harmonies, intricate arrangements, and a deep reverence for the Christmas tradition. The album is a testament to Rutter's prowess as a composer, conductor, and arranger, offering a fresh and inspiring take on the holiday season. With a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, this album is perfect for setting the mood during the festive season, whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. The album's diverse tracklist ensures that there's something for everyone, from the most devout Christmas enthusiast to the casual holiday listener.
2008 Collegium2008 Collegium
Tracks
O Come All Ye Faithful (Arr. D. Willcocks)John Francis Wade, The Cambridge Singers, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Piae cantiones: Gaudate (Arr. J. Rutter & M. Neaum)Anonymous, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
The Shepherd's CarolBob Chilcott, John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers
New Year's Eve (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Elin Manahan Thomas, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
I Wonder as I Wander (Arr. J. Rutter) [1]Traditional, Melanie Marshall, Andrew Williams, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Ave MariaJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Rejoice and Be MerryJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
El Noi de la Mare (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Clara Sanabras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
A Christmas OvertureNigel Hess, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Born on a New Day (Arr. P. Knight)John David, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Magical KingdomJohn Rutter, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Mary's Boy Child (Arr. J. Rutter)Jester Hairston, Melanie Marshall, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Esta noche (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Clara Sanabras, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
3 Small Tone Poems, RT VI/7: No. 2, Winter Night (Sleigh Ride)Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Melanie Marshall, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
New YearJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
I Wish You ChristmasJohn Rutter, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (After F. Menelssohn) [Arr. D. Willcocks]William Hayman Cummings, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (From "Meet Me in St. Louis") [Arr. J. Rutter]Hugh Martin, Melanie Marshall, John Anderson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter