Wood, C: O thou the central orb

A compilation of twentieth century English choral music performed by the Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. Composers include Walton, Vaughan Williams, Tippett, Stanford, Charles Wood, Howells, Ley, Harris and Rutter.

“Here is choral singing of the very highest order” Of Tippett choral works (Gramophone)

After thirty years of world-wide performance and recording, The Sixteen, "The Voices of Classic FM", are recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles. Comprising both choir and period instrument orchestra, The Sixteen's total commitment to the music it performs is its greatest distinction. Its special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, bringing fresh insights into Baroque and early Classical music and a diversity of twentieth century music, is drawn from the passions of conductor and founder, Harry Christophers.

The Sixteen has recently featured in the highly successful BBC Four television series, Sacred Music, presented by actor Simon Russell Beale.

The Sixteen’s album IKON was nominated for a 2007 Grammy.

A New Heaven narrows the gap between our secular age and a time when the Anglican Church was among the most important patrons and consumers of British music. It also offers listeners the chance to reconnect with spiritual matters richly expressed by composers with the flair and imagination required to distil big issues of life and death into miniature forms.

‘Here is choral singing of the very highest order.’ Of Tippett choral works (Gramophone)

‘To hear a choir like this is to hear a quality of musicianship with no equal anywhere in the world’ (The Independent on Sunday)