Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The modern Diocese of Truro was established in 1877 with the new Cathedral Choir founded shortly afterwards. Described by former Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks, as "one of the country's finest cathedral choirs", during 2013 there have been many major events in Truro celebrating the 125 years of the choir's contribution to music in the Cathedral, culminating in the release of this new recording. All the works, except Francis Pott's "Lament", have been written for Truro Cathedral Choir and its director, Christopher Gray, over the last few years. Pott's piece is included through being written in memory of a former chorister at Truro. A number of works were specifically commissioned for the 125th anniversary celebrations, and the disc features first recordings of new works from Russell Pascoe, Graham Fitkin, and Gabriel Jackson, and a touching new setting of "In the Bleak Midwinter" by Truro student, Becky McGlade. Thus we get a memorable celebration of one of the less well known cathedral choirs and also a splendid selection of contemporary choral composition. This is Regent's eleventh recording from Truro Cathedral and we hope it will not be the last. Indeed, we offer the suggestion that a "Best of" compilation would be an appropriate way to round off the celebrations.

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