Choir Concert: 750th Anniversary Concert

By the end of 2014, the Merton Choirbook will include some 50 new commissions from many of today's leading composers. At this concert, perhaps the most significant commission received its première – a new choral work by Sir Harrison Birtwistle, composed to a text by Geoffrey Hill. The choir also sang commissions by Weir, Saxton and MacMillan, alongside liturgical works by Byrd, Tallis and Stravinsky.

Programme

William Byrd Mass for Four Voices
Thomas Tallis Te Deum
Sir Harrison Birtwistle Chorale-Prelude (world première)
Judith Weir Ave Regina Caelorum
James MacMillan I will take you from the nations
Robert Saxton Vexilla Regis
Igor Stravinsky Mass