Description
A radiant new recording celebrating the sacred choral music of British composer Andrew Downes (1950-2023) brings together some of his most uplifting and deeply expressive works for the Christmas season and beyond. Hail Thee, Festival Day! showcases the artistry of The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge, Ely Cathedral Girl Choristers, Prime Brass, organist Shanna Hart, and harpist Oscar Beed, all under the direction of renowned conductor Sarah MacDonald. Recorded in the magnificent acoustic of Ely Cathedral between September 2025 and March 2026, this album presents a vibrant cross-section of Downes's choral output, spanning nearly four decades. Rooted in the great English sacred tradition yet infused with global influences and a distinct personal voice, these works highlight Downes's lyrical gift, contrapuntal mastery, and flair for dramatic colour. At the heart of the programme lies the Christmas Cantata Opus 4 (1974), a joyful seven-movement work composed early in Downes's career. Heard here in a specially crafted arrangement for brass sextet by Paula Downes, the cantata combines plainsong inspiration, original poetry, and jubilant fanfares. From the triumphant opening and closing refrains of "Hail Thee, Festival Day!" to the tender stillness of the instrumental Lullaby and the radiant chorales, the piece captures the wonder and celebration of the Nativity.
