CD, MacMillan (composer)

Laudibus and Mike Brewer are particularly good at creating vocal effects, meaning this programme is tailor-made for them. Their rich lower body of voices and silvery sopranos combine beautifully... — Charlotte Gardner, bbc.co.uk, 24th August 2009 More…

The playing is consistently polished and elegant; the programme is charming, even undemanding, for the listener, so this would make a wonderful gift for a newcomer to the repertoire or aspiring... — BBC Music Magazine, May 2019, 4 out of 5 stars More…

What’s in no doubt is the quality of Helseth’s playing, both technically and in the breadth of her phrasing and tonal resource. She’s well partnered by the conductorless Ensemble Allegria, and... — BBC Music Magazine, January 2023, 5 out of 5 stars More…

It is some indication of the quality of the 23 singers in Blossom Street that all the solos are outstanding, pure and true...It adds to the value of the disc that full texts are provided, and... — Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2013 More…

A first recording of MacMillan's Durham Mass is the centrepiece. With liberal use of cluster chords and chant-like ornamentations, it's a gripping composition. — BBC Music Magazine, April 2013, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Purcell's funeral and penitential liturgical settings contain some of the most heart-rending music in the choral repertory. MacMillan's tribute to his 16th century fellow-Scot O bone Jesu…... — BBC Music Magazine, July 2009, 5 out of 5 stars More…

Whately's choice is eclectic…[and] she sings them with attractive brightness and fervour. Her tone is not yet as distinctive as Janet Baker or Sarah Connolly, say, but there's a plangent shading... — BBC Music Magazine, June 2015, 4 out of 5 stars More…

A thoroughly attractive disc in every respect from a superb choir. — MusicWeb International, 23rd February 2017 More…

Throughout, the trebles of the Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum give excellent performances of impressive consistency under the leadership of their director, Benjamin Nicholas. They have an... — Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2011 More…