Join us for the release of inaugural record 'O Sacrum Convivium' by the Choir of King's College, Aberdeen on 27 May
O Sacrum Convivium combines world-première recordings of new music with familiar favourites. New music from the ‘Aberdeen School’ of choral composition is placed at the beginning and end of the disc, featuring motets by Dr Phillip Cooke written for the Choir, music by Royal composer Prof Paul Mealor, and works by PhD students Thomas LaVoy and John Frederick Hudson. This is interspersed with established choral works, including 16th-century polyphony and music by Purcell and Stainer, as well as organ music by J.S. Bach played on the chapel’s wonderful 2004 organ by Bernard Aubertin, an instrument of international distinction.
The CD will be released at a public concert performed by the Choir at King’s College Chapel on Friday 27 May at 1:10 pm, as part of the perennially popular University of Aberdeen May Festival. After its release, the CD will be available for purchase on the University’s online store, at Top Note Music, at all good record shops, and through online services such as Amazon and iTunes.
Proceeds from the sale of this CD will support vital research led by Professor Alison Murray at the University into prevention and early diagnosis of diseases that cause dementia.
Vox Regis record label is set to be a major musical force in the coming months and years with several further projects in development. A CD of contemporary bassoon music played by Lesley Wilson will be released this Autumn, and the Aberdeen Early Music Collective is recording cantatas by Ruggieri (a contemporary of Vivaldi) over the summer. Lovers of all things Scottish will look forward to a CD featuring the University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir, directed by Paul Mealor, to be released in early 2017.
Meet the Choir of King’s College, Aberdeen
Also known informally as Chapel Choir, the Choir of King’s College, Aberdeen is an auditioned ensemble of eighteen choral scholars who perform new repertoire every week at King’s College Chapel’s weekly services. The Choir is renowned for its exceptional interpretations of choral repertoire, from plainchant and early polyphony to new works specially written for them. The Choir has members from across the University in a wide range of fields of study.
“It has been a joy to work with such talented singers in the Northeast of Scotland. There is a real haven of inspiration choral singing happening and it wonderful to be a part of it.” – John Frederick Hudson, postgraduate organ scholar and composer
“The Choir was a staple of my time at University and one that I could not have done without! The friendship and commitment of the choir always reflected in the music we made. The repertoire was always harmonious with the worship and the sacred space of Kings College Chapel enhanced every voice to give the choir a unanimous choral sound.” – Lucy Hole, BMus
“The family feeling of Chapel Choir helped me settle in during my first year at the University of Aberdeen and has continued to support me throughout - I'll miss it!” – Hannah Boxall-Hunt, 4th year biomedical sciences
"Working with the Chapel Choir of King's College, Aberdeen as both a chorister and composer has been a profound and uplifting experience. The choir's performance of my Ave, maris stella on this CD is nothing short of astounding, sung with the grace and spiritual intensity of a very polished choral ensemble." – Thomas LaVoy, PhD student and composer