Various Composers - Feminine Voices at Christmas (Ensemble Altera)

Information

1. Hildegard von Bingen - O viridissima, Virga
2. Imogen Holst - Welcome Joy and Welcome Sorrow: I. Welcome Joy and Welcome Sorrow
3. Imogen Holst - Welcome Joy and Welcome Sorrow: IV. Shed no Tear
4. Gustav Holst - Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Op. 26, H. 99: No. 7, Hymn to the Dawn
5. Joanna Marsh - Magnificat
6. Cecilia MacDowall - Ave Maria
7. Adrian Peacock - There Is No Rose
8. Ian Shaw - I Sing of a Maiden
9. Barbara Strozzi - Sacri musicali affetti, Op. 5: No. 7, O Maria quam pulchra es
10. Kerensa Briggs - Coventry Carol
11. Elizabeth Poston - Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
12. Benjamin Britten - Friday Afternoons, Op. 7: No. 5, A New Year Carol
13. Germaine Tailleferre - Sonate pour harpe: II. Lento
14. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: I. Procession
15. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: II. Wolcum Yole!
16. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: III. There is no Rose
17. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: IVa. That Yongë Child
18. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: IVb. Balulalow
19. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: V. As Dew in Aprille
20. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: VI. This Little Babe
21. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: VII. Interlude
22. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: VIII. In Freezing Winter Night
23. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: IX. Spring Carol
24. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: X. Adam Lay I-Bounden
25. Benjamin Britten - Ceremony of Carols: XI. Recession
26. Anonymous - Dancing Day: No. 1, Prelude
27. Anonymous - Dancing Day: No. 8, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

Ensemble Altera

Christopher Lowrey, direction

Date: 2025

Label: Alpha Classics

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Feminine Voices is a festive celebration of women’s choral music, blending sacred and seasonal works such as the Magnificat, Ave Maria, and traditional carols. Conceived by Christopher Lowrey and performed by the Altera ensemble, the album features music by eight female composers, including Hildegard von Bingen, Imogen Holst, Germaine Tailleferre, Cecilia McDowall, Joanna Marsh, Barbara Strozzi, Elizabeth Poston, and a new work by Kerensa Briggs. It also includes pieces by John Rutter and Benjamin Britten’s original version of A Ceremony of Carols for women’s voices and harp. Harpist Li Shan Tan joins Altera in this radiant and evocative recording.

Ensemble Altera, led by countertenor Christopher Lowrey, is acclaimed as “something extraordinary” (BBC) and “a leading ensemble on the American choral scene” (Scherzo). Known for refined performances and creative programming, its debut album The Lamb’s Journey won the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik. Recent and upcoming projects include Feminine Voices (Alpha Classics, 2026), The Four Elements, and collaborations with Raphaël Pichon, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and soloists Ying Fang and Christian Gerhaher. Dedicated to innovation and outreach, Altera champions new works by contemporary composers and promotes music education and therapy, reflecting its belief in the healing and unifying power of choral music.

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