New CD puts York Minster's choir into Christmas stockings!
Families around the country will be able to enjoy the sounds of York Minster’s renowned choir with their Christmas dinner this year, following the release of a new CD, “An Ebor Epiphany”, available from today.
The new CD was recorded earlier this year, and features the combined voices of one of the UK’s top choirs from York Minster. The music is all taken from Epiphany Sunday – which in 2013 falls on 6 January – featuring hymns, prayers and anthems from the Eucharist, Matins and Evensong services which mark the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem.
Alongside a classic repertoire of music from Matins and Evensong, the CD includes the epic “Messe a deux choeurs et deux orgues, Op. 36” (Mass for two choirs and two organs) by Widor; ”Infant Holy”, a carol specially commissioned for York Minster by contemporary composer, David Briggs, Organist Emeritus of Gloucester Cathedral; and a new choral arrangement of Richard Strauss’s only sacred piece, “Die heiligen drei Konige aus Morgenland”, arranged by York Minster’s Chamberlain, Richard Shephard.
“This CD highlights so many of the remarkable features at the music in York Minster, especially the superbly rounded sound of the Minster Choir, accompanied by David Pipe* and Ben Horden* on the organ,” comments York Minster’s Director of Music, Robert Sharpe. “Continuing a 1000 year-old tradition of composition within York Minster, we have works written and arranged by Philip Moore and Richard Shephard which are truly at their finest when performed by our skilled resident musicians in this majestic building.”
The CD is available in the York Minster shop for £10, and will also be available to purchase online. Copies will also be available to purchase at this Friday’s Carol Concert.
“An Ebor Epiphany” is expected to join a host of other items that are proving particularly popular amongst Christmas shoppers, from gifts ideal as stocking fillers such as stained glass-designed mugs, priced at £6.95 and stained glass cufflinks at £19.99 – an ideal souvenir following a visit to The Orb – to a beautiful nativity scene, priced at £26.95. Also exceptionally popular are knitted gargoyles, cuddly versions of some of the mythical creatures which adorn the exterior of York Minster. Many items are only available from York Minster itself, including glass bowls with the Rose Window design (£19.95), silk scarves featuring the ceiling design from the Chapter House at £49.95 and even a replica pinnacle from the top of St William’s Chapel, priced at £25.95.
The gift shop in York Minster, and York Minster Gifts (located on Minster Gates, opposite the South Door) are open from 10.00am – 17.00pm Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon – 17.00pm on Sundays. Gifts are also available for purchase online through the York Minster website, www.yorkminster.org
York Minster is open daily for visiting. Usual opening times are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday, 12 noon until 5.00pm on Sundays, although times may change slightly subject to services taking place. A number of special events are also taking place throughout December, including Christingle and floral display workshops on Saturday 15 December, and Christmas wreath making on Saturday 22 December. To check availability and book places, please visit www.yorkminster.org
ENDS
*David Pipe is Assistant Director of Music for York Minster, Ben Horden was the Organ Scholar at York Minster, now Acting Assistant Director of Music at Sheffield Cathedral.
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – PRO York Minster
Tel: 01904 500698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk
