Our saints' month concludes this weekend on Choral Showcase with a work from 1948 by Benjamin Britten. Saint Nicholas recounts the stories of a 4th century bishop from Asia Minor known for his acts of kindness and generosity. This cantata involves several choruses and singers, yet still sounds intimate. We'll finish with a look ahead to December's programming with selected Christmas carols by Britten.

Show Notes

Benjamin Britten: Saint Nicholas, Op. 42

  • Anthony Rolfe-Johnson, tenor; Harry Briggs, treble
  • Corydon Singers; Choristers of St. George's Chapel, Windsor; Girls of Warwick University Chamber Choir
  • Choirs of Sevenoaks School & Tonbridge School; Choir of Christ Church Southgate; Pennshurst Choral Society; The Occasional Choir
  • Catherine Edwards & John Alley, piano duet; John Scott, organ
  • English Chamber Orchestra
  • Matthew Best, conductor

Benjamin Britten: Carols: A Hymn to the Virgin; The Sycamore Tree; The Holly and the Ivy; Sweet was the song the Virgin sung; A New Year Carol

  • Choir of Clare College, Cambridge
  • Graham Ross, conductor
  • Tanya Houghton, harp