Intimate, small-scale performances of mainly familiar titles - including Britten's Ceremony of Carols - by a choir of ten singers. Occasionally more heft is needed.

this is a collection distinguished above all by singing and playing of high quality and recorded sound that is immaculate.

In the Britten, the balance between choir and harp is perfectly judged so that the filigree accompaniments come through loud and clear. The young soloists too acquit themselves well...If you want this particular programme it is hard to imagine it being better performed.

This Armonico Consort CD is beautiful. A mixed choir of just ten voices is atmospherically recorded in St Mark’s Church, Leamington Spa, with director Christopher Monks risking some very slow tempi. The singing on such favourites as Away In A Manger, In Dulci Jubilo and Silent Night is exquisite.