Continuing their pioneering series of discs devoted to new music by young British composers, the Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge, under the direction of Sarah MacDonald, introduce an exciting new and distinctive voice in the world of choral compostion.

Ben Ponniah began composing in 2007 during a postpostgraduate gap year. At the core of his music is his own personal journey with faith, his love of the natural world, and his training as a singer and a jazz pianist.

He has a voice of great interest and attractiveness; his music combines the harmonic richness and colour of Poulenc and early Messiaen, with elements of Latin American and jazz to produce a heady mixture of sensual and exotic choral textures, but all with a natural flair for writing for voices. The text is paramount, and words are vividly painted. This is definitely a voice to watch!

This disc features a selection of recent a cappella sacred pieces, including anthems and motets, and Requiem in Blue, Ponniah’s largest-scale work to date.

Some reviews of previous recordings from the Chapel Choir of Selwyn College, directed by Sarah MacDonald:

‘...performed better than one can ever imagine.’ - MusicWeb International

‘The music is as timeless, spacious, and rapturous as you would hope for. The performances by the choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge are sublime, and the recording captures them in all their glory’ - Classic FM

‘Sensitive, precise and well-balanced’ - Gramophone

‘Their vocalism is distinguishedby clarity of diction, immediacy, purity of tone, superb balance, blend, intonation, rhythmic precision, and subtle expression...’ - The American Organist

‘If you are looking for something new with exuberant, youthful singing, then the Selwyn College CD is the one for you.’ - Sydney Organ Journal