Carols As We Wait

Introits, Hymns and Carols for Advent

for mixed-voice choirs, compiled and edited by Timothy Rogers

In recent years, many choirs have been giving greater prominence to female composers.

Carols As We Wait embraces and encourages such a change; every piece is either written or arranged by a contemporary female composer. Words by Sharon Grenham-Thompson have also been commissioned for this book.

Carols As We Wait contains mostly original pieces. It includes six introits by the Canadian composer, Eleanor Daley, who is known for writing highly accessible works with melodic charm, harmonic depth and thoughtful interpretation of texts. The collection also contains two descant arrangements by the Australian composer, June Nixon, that will elevate the singing of popular hymns during Advent.

In addition, the collection brings together a varied groups of 10 well-crafted carols by Esther Bersweden, Sasha Johnson Manning, Sarah MacDonald, Jessica Macfarlane, June Nixon, Gail Randall, Ghislaine Reece-Trapp, Alice Rivers, Joy Williams and Alison Willis. These items are all newly composed and published for the first time. There are accompanied and unaccompanied pieces, resourceful use of musical elements, as well as a range of levels for different choirs. The musical content is convincing and practical, offering different styles and moods. Overall, the words and music will refresh and enhance the season of Advent, providing rewarding repertoire for choirs.

Printed music £9.95 (vocal score), date of first publication: 14 July 2025.

Preview the carols and find out more.

Carols of Our Time

Hymns and Carols for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany & Candlemas for mixed-voice choirs, compiled and edited by Sarah MacDonald and Timothy Rogers

At the heart of this collection is a set of well-known hymns, arranged with thrilling descants and imaginative harmonisations by Sarah MacDonald. They will enhance the singing of hymns at carol services and Christmas concerts.

Sarah MacDonald is Director of Music at Selwyn College, Cambridge, Director of the Girl Choristers at Ely Cathedral, and Organist to the University of Cambridge. She holds the office of President of the Royal College of Organists 2024-2026.

All of the carols are composed by women, including Charlotte Baskerville, Esther Bersweden, Kerry Boyle, Eleanor Daley, Tamsin Jones, June Nixon, Sarah MacDonald, Sasha Johnson Manning, Stephanie Martin, Yshani Perinpanayagam, Electra Perivolaris, Ghislaine Reece-Trapp, Lucy Walker and Alison Willis. The range of styles is distinctive and diverse with a mix of accompanied and unaccompanied works.

The anthology contains original pieces and appealing arrangements of classic carols. Most of the items are newly composed and published for the first time. Overall, the music will enrich and enliven the Christmas experience, providing rewarding repertoire for choirs of all abilities.

Printed music £18.95 (vocal score), Preview the carols and find out more.

You can also hear Yshani Perinpanayagam talking about her new piece,

When God made Eve, around the time of its recording by St Martin's Voices, directed by Andrew Earis or listen to Eleanor Daley's carol, On Christmas night

or read Lucy Walker's beautiful setting of In the bleak mid-winter.

St Francis of Assisi

Cantata for soloists, chorus & orchestra by Bryan Kelly

Words by John Fuller

Bryan Kelly’s music is easily accessible and can vary from skittish to the very serious, as illustrated in ‘St Francis of Assisi’. Composed in 1981, this choral work sounds fresh and will appeal to a wide audience. It has a colourful, exuberant style including some moments of humour. The words are by John Fuller. Kelly’s original version was scored for full orchestra, although he later re-orchestrated the piece for a smaller ensemble.

2026 will mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi.

Printed music £10.95 (vocal score), available on sale.

Preview the score and find out more.

Scoring: timp., perc. (four players), celesta, pno., SATB soloists, mixed-voice chorus and strings; duration about 45 mins.

Vocal score, full score and parts, available on hire from the publisher.

Recorded by The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge | Britten Sinfonia

Katherine Mann soprano | Bradley Smith tenor

Stuart MacIntyre baritone | Morgan Pearse bass

Adam Field organ and piano

directed by Sarah MacDonald

Released by Regent Records, REGCD585

Listen on YouTube.

Organ Music for Concerts & Services

Anthology

BORN IN A STABLE

This new collection contains 15 seasonal organ pieces by living composers.

There are stimulating new commissions on familiar carol and hymn tunes, including contributions from

Esther Bersweden, William Campbell, Edmund Connolly, Neil Cox,

Sasha Johnson Manning, Bryan Kelly (tr. Tom Winpenny), Sarah MacDonald, Gail Randall, Miriam Reveley,

John Scott Whiteley, Amy Summers, Janet Wheeler, Joy Williams,

Alison Willis and Jack Wilson.

Printed music £18.95 (organ score),

Preview the score or Listen to two demo recordings of the Carillon by Neil Cox and A Christmas dance by Bryan Kelly, transcribed by Tom Winpenny.

Poems by David Broadbridge

& organ music Philip Moore

NATIVITAS

This edition provides a sequence for Advent & Christmas, comprising nine poems and organ music, reflecting the mood and imagery of the words. Fresh, varied and accessible in their interpretation, the poems and the music sound a new note in their variety. Together, they provide a unique commentary on the mystery and joy of the Christmas story.

Printed music £12.95 (organ score),

Preview the score or Listen to Benjamin Sheen's live performance at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.

Four of the poems have also been set to music including Adam's Fall. Listen here to a recording by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, directed by Sir Stephen Cleobury.

A Round-up of Choral Leaflets

Sasha Johnson Manning

Malcolm Archer

THE GUILDFORD SERVICE

Evening Service, ATB & organ

£2.95 View preview

Charlotte Baskerville

PRECES, RESPONSES &

THE LORD'S PRAYER

(Tewkesbury Set)

SATB unacc.