In May 2021, the boys, girls, lay vicars and choral scholars of Truro Cathedral Choir, under its director, Christopher Gray, embarked on recording a full-length album – possibly the first UK cathedral choir to do so since national lockdown began in 2020. The recording was made under social distancing conditions, and Truro Cathedral Choir rose enthusiastically to the occasion, their musicianship and creativity shining through while meeting the evolving challenges of the pandemic.

Since the first ‘Nine Lessons’ took place at Truro Cathedral on 24th December 1880, the service has been an annual highlight, with people coming from far and wide to experience the Christmas story told in words and music. The previous director of music, Robert Sharpe, instigated the now-firmly-established tradition that the choir premieres a newly-commissioned carol at this special service each year. Over the years, this has included some of the UK’s most gifted composers. There are several Truro commissions featured here, and seven first recordings in a refreshingly-different collection of music for Christmas.