“This endearing set of Christmas pieces isn’t just music: it’s message, it’s poetry and celebration.
Performed by an ensemble of a cappella voices in a traditional, strophic way, and with brilliant melodic figurations.”
– Sonograma Magazine

“This is a charming disc of carol settings by Patrick Hawes, and also two more substantial pieces – The Nativity and Four Christmas Motets – sung to perfection by New England’s chamber choir, Voce.  With impeccable diction, blend and pitching, this really is a choir at the top of their game.  Most of the music on this disc is sung a cappella to great effect.  It is a lovely, meditative accompaniment to Christmas.”
– Royal School of Church Music (RSCM)

“This collection of new festive works has a general sense of hushed reverence,
nicely suited to the soft-edged, well balanced voices of the Voce Chamber Choir.”
– BBC Music Magazine

“… meticulously conceived across every perceptible dimension …”
– Classical Music Daily

“Beautifully sung and finely considered, Patrick Hawes carol sequence
approaches the Christmas story with reverence and an appealing melodic style.”
– Robert Hugill 

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The world premiere recording of brand new
Christmas choral works from Patrick Hawes.

Patrick has teamed up with the excellent Voce Chamber Choir of Connecticut to create an album of twenty brand-new Christmas choral works.  Specially written for the choir, the first collection and album title, sets words by Patrick’s poet brother Andrew.  The Nativity, for unaccompanied choir, moves through the Christmas nativity scene exploring the drama of this momentous moment in human history.  For the second collection, Patrick has set Four Christmas Motets;  the fragile ancient poetry giving rise to tender and heartfelt music for unaccompanied choir.  The album goes on to explore the Christmas story through various texts, old and new, in works that are set to become extremely popular with choirs around the world.

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“Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year and it has been a joy to set such inspiring and dramatic words to music.  The variety of texts – from ancient to modern – are all so relevant for today because they speak of eternal truths and the mystery of the Christmas story.  I am thrilled with how Voce and their director Mark Singleton have brought a freshness of approach and musical excellence to their interpretation of this exciting project.” Patrick Hawes

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“This album is the fruit of an extraordinary partnership between composer, conductor, and choir.  Composer Patrick Hawes created a collection of sublime works with Voce in mind, and our collaboration with him during the recording sessions was a source of great joy for all involved.  Working closely together, we endeavored to capture the vibrancy and tenderness of Patrick’s compositions, as well as the magical texts crafted by Patrick’s brother Andrew.  We offer this album in tribute to Patrick Hawes and his continuing contribution of choral works celebrated throughout the world”. Mark Singleton

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