Various Composers - A Spotless Rose (The Purcell Singers)

Information

1. Paul Mealor - 4 Madrigals on Rose Texts: No. 4, A Spotless Rose
2. Will Todd - My Lord Has Come
3. Sarah Cattley - Ave Maria
4. James MacMillan - Ave maris stella
5. Jonathan Dove - The Three Kings
6. Kerry Andrew - All Things Are Quite Silent
7. John Rutter - 3 Shakespeare Songs: No. 1, O Mistress Mine
8. John Rutter - 3 Shakespeare Songs: No. 2, Be Not Afeard
9. John Rutter - 3 Shakespeare Songs: No. 3, Sigh No More, Ladies

The Purcell Singers

Jonathan Schranz & Mark Ford, conductors

Date: 2026

Label: Divine Art

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Divine Art presents A Spotless Rose, a richly textured digital-only choral album performed by The Purcell Singers under the direction of Jonathan Schranz and Mark Ford. Featuring works by leading contemporary British composers including James MacMillan, Jonathan Dove, John Rutter, Kerry Andrew, Paul Mealor, Will Todd, and Sarah Cattley, the album explores themes of Christmas, the sea, Marian devotion, and English folksong through a blend of lyrical warmth and contemporary harmonic language. The recording culminates in the premiere of Rutter’s Three Shakespeare Songs, written for the ensemble and released in celebration of the composer’s 80th birthday. Combining luminous choral textures, atmospheric storytelling, and emotional depth, A Spotless Rose highlights the ensemble’s expressive precision and commitment to contemporary vocal repertoire.

The Purcell Singers is one of London’s leading chamber choirs, founded in 1994 by conductor Mark Ford. Renowned for its stylistic versatility and refined ensemble sound, the choir has performed extensively throughout the UK and internationally, presenting repertoire that spans from early music composers such as Orlando Gibbons to contemporary figures including John Tavener. Their programming also encompasses major works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Herbert Howells, Francis Poulenc, Samuel Barber, and Benjamin Britten. The ensemble has gained particular recognition for championing lesser-known late Romantic repertoire, especially the music of Georg Schumann, while also maintaining an active presence in studio recording work for film and television projects.