All Things Are Quite Silent

Anna Lapwood was appointed Director of Music at Pembroke College at the age of 21 and has proved a transformational and inspirational force in the institution’s choral life. One of her first initiatives was to form a girls’ choir. And judging by this recording, both the Girls’ and Chapel choirs are in fine form. Their programme features many female composers, from Amy Beach (her lovely yet simple “Peace I Leave with You” has tremendous impact) to Caroline Shaw (whose “And the Swallow” is a real challenge for any choir), taking in some great music along the way. Superbly recorded too.