The trebles of St John's on O Holy Night

The Choir of St John's College Cambridge have a new Christmas album out this year, and following their excellent form in recent years it is of course delightful from beginning to end, in particular featuring excellent performances of Poulenc's four Christmas motets - by turns haunting, crisp and playful.

Other standout tracks  include Beamish's In the stillness, which has exploded onto Christmas programmes and playlists in the last few years, and Howells's three Carol-Anthems (of which my personal favourite is definitely Here Is The Little Door.)

But we realised we'd spoken to music director Christopher Gray quite a bit recently and in any case he was probably busy at this time of year, so for something a little different, we decided to cut out management and speak to the people who do the actual work - the treble line. Here's what they said about singing and recording at John's for Christmas...

What’s it like being a chorister? Does it feel like fun, or like… WORK?

It is such an amazing experience. If I had not become a chorister I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. It improves your music skills, social skills, and it give you opportunities of a lifetime. Martha

Being a chorister is such a fun experience, and the different music that we do is really exciting to learn. We have so many amazing opportunities, like going on tour. Going to America was such an incredible experience and one that I will remember forever! Bryony

Being a chorister feels like a once-in-a-lifetime thing. It’s a luxury singing choral music and going to different places singing many kind of music. If you’re someone who loves singing, this could be something for you. Samuel

It is very enjoyable to be a chorister because of how kind everyone is to each other and it opens so many doors for us when we are older. Bertie

Being a chorister is just an amazing experience and I have loved every single moment. I have enjoyed being such a strong part of life at St John’s College Chapel. Ingrid

When I was at school, some teachers were very relaxed and others were very strict. What’s Mr Gray like?

Honestly, he’s just right! He can take a joke, but he knows when to focus. Phoebe 

Mr Gray is relaxed and kind, but if he has to be strict, he will. He is very funny, kind, and understanding, especially to the probationers as they are entering a new environment. I don’t think I could imagine a choir without him. Rafe

Mr Gray probably chose the pieces for the new Christmas album, but if you were deciding on pieces of music for a Christmas album, what would you choose?

The Three Kings (Dove), Sussex Carol, the Sans Day Carol, O holy night. George

I would choose bangers such as Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day (Gardner), Howells motets, and Sussex Carol. Martha

Tomorrow shall be my Dancing Day, O holy night, Hark the Herald, the 7 Joys of Mary. Finley

O holy night, Sussex Carol, There is no rose, There is a flower, Here is the Little Door, Hymn to the Virgin. James

I remember being really surprised when I learned that carol services and albums are recorded way in advance! Did it feel weird to be singing Christmas music at the wrong time of year?

Recording is very fun I enjoy it so much. It does feel weird sometimes when it’s summer and you’re singing Christmas music, but it was all fun! Evelyn

I absolutely love singing Christmas songs! It did not feel weird at all. It brings me much joy because they are all upbeat and give a sense of happiness. Martha

It was fun to sing Christmas music in summer! James

Many singers think those four Poulenc pieces are really hard – the music is such an unusual style. How did you get on with learning them?

The four Poulenc motets are such a brilliant collection of pieces that we enjoy so much. Because of the intense training that we have daily, we found it quite easy to sight-read but without the magical education we gain from SJCC, we would have taken a lot longer! Ingrid

As a St John’s chorister, we are given a life opportunity to pursue our love of music. With the musical education we get, it makes music a lot easier. So yes, the Poulenc motets were quite easy. Martha

The four Poulenc motets weren’t too hard to learn. We already knew Quem Vidistis and Videntes Stellam, so we only had to learn two for the recording and they were both easy enough to read. I love the different harmonies that Poulenc writes. Bryony

Really easy. James

Lots of people these days are trying to make sure that a wider variety of composers get their music heard, not just the same old ones. Do you like exploring new music you haven’t sung before?

I love listening to new pieces because it gives you chances to learn about new genres and I think all music should be heard as there’s no such thing as good or bad music. Samuel

Recently, we sung the newly commissioned set of canticles by Laura Sheils. She creates such a joyful atmosphere and the way she changed key really brought the piece to life. Bryony

Yes, I very much like singing new music and exploring new pieces. Sometimes, they can be very joyful and enjoyable. Felix 

Yes indeed. James