The Mystery of Christmas

With this ravishing Christmas album, ORA Singers continue to bring together the modern and the ancient. Suzi Digby and her ensemble take us on a journey through medieval plainchant up to the modern day with John Rutter’s “Suzi’s Carol”, composed in 2017. But it’s the contemporary composers’ responses to past choral masterpieces that truly captivate: James MacMillan’s skittish “Nova! Nova! Ave fit ex Eva” embraces the flavour of the original medieval chant, as does Cecilia McDowall’s “Now May We Singen (Medieval)”, one of the most enjoyable new works here. Richard Allain’s “Coventry Carol” is hauntingly pained, while Adrian Peacock’s playful “Venite, Gaudete!” is a thrilling discovery. Throughout, ORA Singers prove to be an exceptional choir with impeccable blend.