‘Radiance’ is an apt title for this disc of luminous, searingly beautiful and lyrical choral music from the English Arts Chorale and the English Arts Orchestra.

Paul Carr’s work has graced both EM Records’ releases and the English Music Festival many times before, however the label is delighted to feature for the first time works by Morten Lauridsen, Bob Chilcott, Ola Gjeilo and Eric Whitacre. This is haunting, glowing music of intensity and power which also remains highly accessible and attractive.

Founded by its conductor, Leslie Olive, in 1980, the EAC has broadcast for BBC radio, sung at the Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican, and worked with the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, under conductors including Klaus Tennstedt and Sir Roger Norrington. Its soloists have included a galaxy of highly-regarded names including Sir Willard White, Susan Gritton, Sheila Armstrong, and Ian Bostridge. Outstanding orchestral playing by the English Arts Orchestra complements the distinctive English Arts Chorale sound.

English Arts Chorale concerts appeal to a wide range of musical tastes, with major concertos rubbing shoulders with Russian folk music, and unaccompanied short works by living composers alongside the major choral-orchestral repertoire such as the Verdi Requiem. Concert venues include London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Snape Maltings, major cathedrals and European touring. Soloists include distinguished and well-known names as well as some of the most exciting young artists of the next generation.