Recordings
The Christmas Story
Launched at our concert in December 2010. A musical journey through the season of Advent. A collection of carols, motets and spirituals which relate the Christmas story, from the journeys of the wise men and the shepherds to the celebration in the stable at Bethlehem.
The Classical Recording Company CRC2016
Sold in aid of the Cure Parkinson's Trust
(£2 will be donated from the sale of each CD)
Producer: Simon Weir
Engineer: Morgan Roberts
A Hymn to the Virgin
Featuring works by Victoria and Poulenc and the first mixed-voice recording of Panufnik's Song to the Virgin Mary
Meridian Records CDE 84418
Recorded by John Shuttleworth
Producer: Gary Skyrme
“Well, here is another cracker of a recording. Under the present director, Mark Forkgen, we hear on this recording singing of exquisite control and refinement, especially in the a-cappella pieces. A high spot has to be the Litanies of Poulenc where the choir’s expressive and at times impassioned singing is complemented by the organ accompanying of Peter Barley. The Panufnik Song to the Virgin Mary is a substantial piece which was commissioned for the Lake District Festival in 1964; what a hard opening for the sopranos - such a haunting theme, which is then reworked and harmonised in an increasingly complex manner leading to a huge climax. This piece alone is sure testimony to the abilities of this choir and its director. A fine disc, warmly recommended”.
(Organists' Review)
A Christmas Carol
In aid of The Samaritans (Meridian), launched at our concert on 8th December 2001, featured on ClassicFM and selected by Iain Burnside on BBC Radio 3's CD Review
Meridian Records CDE 84463
Recorded by John Shuttleworth
Producer: Gary Skyrme
"...Better by far to save your pennies for a Carol recording with some real Xmas Spirit - a disc by the chamber choir Canticum and their conductor Mark Forkgen. I’m happy to give it the big thumbs up not just because of the polish and refinement of the singing, but because all its profits will go to a branch of the Samaritans. ...And surely even Ebeneezer Scrooge himself would be touched by something in the course of these 24 generous tracks."
(Iain Burnside, on BBC Radio 3's "CD Review")
In the Gloom of Whiteness
Featuring works by Colin Riley, Fraser Trainer and Keith Roberts
Craft Music CRCD01
“Fans of sombre, elegiac and diatonic choral writing, people who like Tavener or Pärt, will find much to enjoy”.
(Warwick Thompson, Metro)
“This is an impressive disc”.
(Barry Millington, Evening Standard)