John Gardner (1917-2011): Tomorrow shall be my dancing day
William Mathias (1934-92): Salvator mundi
- Make we merry
- Mirabile mysterium
- Be we merry in this Feast
- Lullay
- Susanni
- Christe, redemptor omnium
- Welcome, Yule
William Mathias (1934-92): Toccata giocosa (Organ)
John Rutter (b. 1945): Dancing Day
- Prelude
- Angelus ad virginem
- A virgin most pure
- Personent hodie
- Interlude
- There is no rose
- Coventry Carol
- Tomorrow shall be my dancing day
Gerald Near (b. 1942): Carillon on a Ukrainian carol
Trad. Irish: Wexford Carol (arr. Alice Parker)
Trad. English: I saw three ships come sailing in (arr. Stuart Nicholson)

I've always considered Christmas to be not only a religious event but a musical event as well. So much great music has been composed specifically for Christmas, and so much of it is performed during Advent and Christmas week that it's practically impossible to avoid. It bolsters and nurtures everyone's appreciation of good music. When you're young, as these Choristers are, and you partake in the musical proceedings, it establishes an early love for music strong enough to last a lifetime. When I was only 6 years old, I played Silent Night (mind you without the pedals) on a three-manual pipe organ during Midnight Mass, which left an indelible impression on me. More than 60 years on and I'm still involved with and captivated by music.

A widely varied assortment of pieces featuring new and rarely-recorded Christmas music adorns this CD. From the profoundly dark and mysterious Mirabile mysterium by William Mathias, to the humorously amusing arrangement by this choir's director Stuart Nicholson of the traditional I saw three ships. All pieces that require a mixed set of expressive engagement on the part of the Choristers from contemplation to all out joy. The accompaniment instrumentation which includes harp, percussion, piano and organ, well compliments the overall airy and bright spirit of the music.

In other words, a collection of Christmas music that will add sparkle and mirth, as well as a reflective atmosphere, to your celebrations.