15 November 2023
The Black Dyke Band has invited the Chorus to record some of John Rutter’s choral pieces for their forthcoming CD, scheduled for release sometime next year. Rutter’s setting of the ancient text Te Deum was written in 1988 for the Guild of Church Musicians on the occasion of their centenary. His anthem O Clap Your Hands, written earlier in 1973, was scored for a four-part choir and organ, but the choir will be singing a version for brass band. It is more complex than the Te Deum, with syncopated rhythms and changing time signatures. Rutter’s lovely Nativity Carol makes up the third of the choir’s contributions to this CD, which the Chorus is looking forward to recording.
‘It will be good to be recording again, it’s always an interesting experience’ said Chorus president Rachel Copley, ‘And of course it’s always fun to work with the fantastic Black Dyke Band, fresh from their triumph at the National Brass Band Championships!’
Black Dyke Band were victorious at the 2023 National Brass Band Championships, held at the Royal Albert Hall on 21 October 2023, despite exceptional performances from many of the bands in the competition. Band and Chorus will come together again in December for the annual carol concert at the City Hall.