Commissions

George Guest, my predecessor who first established the Choir's worldwide reputation, was a great pioneer and innovator; introducing important new repertoire to Britain through services and recordings, creating a new and distinctive choral sound and taking the St John’s Choir to parts of the world which were new to British choirs.

Andrew Nethsingha - past Director of Music

Singing seven services a week during term time, the Choir works through an extensive body of repertoire. Over the years, many great composers have written works for the Choir, and this pioneering spirit continues, through exciting commissioning. Throughout 2010 St John's collaborated with Choir and Organ magazine, commissioning and performing six new works from young and talented composers. In 2011 the College's 500th anniversary year has given cause for a number of high-profile commissions from composers including John Rutter and James Macmillan.

Listen to a selection of our commissions using the audio player below.

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Recorded on
9 March 2024

 

A Meditation on the Passion of Christ is a service of music and readings reflecting on the Passion of Christ. This year the service features music by Byrd, Purcell, Weelkes and MacMillan, as well as the final piece of a triptych of works written for the choir by Joanna Marsh.

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As the solemn season of Lent continues, the Choir of St John’s College is preparing to premiere the final instalment in Joanna Marsh’s evocative triptych of newly commissioned pieces.

The commitment, projection and natural energy of this choir have never failed to inspire me

Organists’ Review