A new CD - Like to a Flower - recorded by the choir of Christ’s College, Cambridge is released today. It features choral music by composer and alumna Annabel Rooney.
The choir is conducted by Professor David Rowland, Director of Music and accompanied by current organ scholar Davon Halim and former scholars James Tett and Tom Burrows.
A reviewer in the Yorkshire Times wrote:
“Annabel Rooney’s compositions are heterogeneous, as this album confirms with first-class performances, well-recorded music, and 70 minutes of music that has the attractiveness and freshness to keep the listener’s attention.”
“The college choir did their alumna proud with excellent tone, tuning, and diction under the direction of David Rowland.”
The music is presented in three sections: music for the office of Evensong, the Eucharist, and a selection of Rooney’s other choral works.
Annabel Rooney, who studied music at Christ’s and has written more than 40 choral works as well as instrumental pieces, said:
“ I was delighted to make another CD with Christ’s wonderful choir. I really enjoyed the recording session. It was very inspiring hearing everyone working so hard on my music, and with such enthusiasm and good humour! It’s lovely to see all this work come to fruition with the release of Like to a flower."
Professor Rowland said:
“It was a real pleasure to record Annabel’s expressive and varied work.”
The CD was recorded 18–20 March 2022 in the Chapel of Queens’ College, Cambridge.
Listen to 'Like to a Flower' on BBC Radio 3 (starts 22.38, available until 27 March).
It is available to purchase from College, online classical retailers and from Regent Records.
As a Seed Bursts Forth, also featuring Annabel's compositions, was recorded in 2019 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the admission of women to Christ’s College, Cambridge. It is also available at Regent Records.
Banner photo credit: Lafayette