Thomas Gallant

Does music add substance to words or is music inspired by them? Songs of departure and farewell are deeply rooted in the great tradition of British choral music, nourished by ancient myths of testing journeys, wayside transformations and homecomings. The transcendent nature of music and the power of poetry to challenge and alter perceptions of reality – harnessed by English composers over many centuries – flow through a programme that invites contemplation of life and death, of love and loss, creation and eternity. In a journey covering six centuries of musical history, The Sixteen performs a cappella anthems with powerful texts by writers as varied as Edmund Spenser, Christopher Fry and W.H. Auden.

Does music add substance to words or is music inspired by them? Songs of departure and farewell are deeply rooted in the great tradition of British choral music, nourished by ancient myths of testing journeys, wayside transformations and homecomings. The transcendent nature of music and the power of poetry to challenge and alter perceptions of reality – harnessed by English composers over many centuries – flow through a programme that invites contemplation of life and death, of love and loss, creation and eternity. In a journey covering six centuries of musical history, The Sixteen performs a cappella anthems with powerful texts by writers as varied as Edmund Spenser, Christopher Fry and W.H. Auden.

(2-CD set) Drawn from their 20 years on the Park Records label, The Essential Steeleye Span: Catch Up looks back at the recent history of one of the most prolific bands of their age. From 1996's Time up to their Wintersmith collaboration with the late Sir Terry Pratchett, the album features some of the most memorable moments in Steeleye's long and distinguished career; whether it be from their string of acclaimed Park releases or a number of new recordings of their most famous songs. Including rare and unreleased material, this is the perfect release for those new to the group or returning fans - a snapshot of a band still at the peak of their creative powers.

The Olympus Sound is the fifth studio album by Irish power pop band Pugwash. It features contributions from Ben Folds, Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, and Dave Gregory and Andy Partridge of XTC. The album was released in Ireland by 1969 Records and EMI on 19 August 2011. The iTunes version featured two bonus tracks not included on the CD. On its release, The Irish Times hailed it as "the best Irish album of the year to date" while Hot Press said it was "the best thing [Pugwash] has ever done". The Irish Daily Star named it among its top 10 Irish albums of 2011. It was nominated for the Choice Music Prize 2011, an award given to the best Irish album of the year, in January 2012. After signing a three-year deal with British indie label Lojinx, The Olympus Sound was released outside Ireland on CD and vinyl on 16 April 2012. The CD version includes three bonus tracks not included on the original physical or iTunes releases.