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The singing of carols enables us all to express our joy and our gladness, and very often ancient words are given new life by being set to new music. On the First Sunday after Christmas, Sunday Worship celebrates two of the most well-known choral composers of our age, whose music is sung in churches, chapels and cathedrals and expresses, for many, the sound of Christmas. John Rutter, celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year, and Bob Chilcott his 70th. In today’s service, we hear the Christmas story again through the words of scripture and through arrangements and original works by John Rutter and Bob Chilcott, and hear their reflections on their life in music.

The service is led by the Dean of St John’s College, Cambridge, Revd Dr Victoria Johnson together with the Chaplain, Revd Graham Dunn, and members of the college community. The producer is Andrew Earis.

Music and readings

Angel’s Carol – John Rutter
Cambridge Singers
CD: The Very Best of John Rutter (Decca)

Joy to the World arr. John Rutter
Cambridge Singers
CD: The John Rutter Christmas Album (Collegium)

Reading: Isaiah 9.2, 6-7

Music: There is a flower – John Rutter
Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge
CD: O Holy Night (Signum)

Reading: Luke 1.30–31, 34–35, 38

Hymn from ‘Mary, Mother’ – Bob Chilcott
St Martin’s Voices
CD: A Winter Breviary – Choral Works for Christmas (Resonus)

Reading: Luke 2.1, 3-7

Nativity Carol – John Rutter
Cambridge Singers
CD: The John Rutter Christmas Album (Collegium)

Reading: Luke 2.8-9, 15-16

The Shepherd’s Carol – Bob Chilcott
Tenebrae
CD: In Winter’s House (Signum)

Matthew 2.8-11

What Sweeter Music - John Rutter
Cambridge Singers
CD: The Very Best of John Rutter (Decca)

Reading: John 1.1, 4-5, 14

Ding-Dong! Ding! (from ‘Little Jazz Carols’) – Bob Chilcott
St Martin’s Voices
CD: Little Jazz Carols – Bob Chilcott (St Martin’s Voices)

Mary’s Lullaby – John Rutter
Wayne Marshall (piano)
CD: John Rutter – The Piano Collection

Joy to the World arr. John Rutter (final verse)
Cambridge Singers
CD: The John Rutter Christmas Album (Collegium)

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