Merton

Alice Merton could be considered as a sort of musical globetrotter. Raised in Canada, she finished school in Germany before moving to England with her family. Classically trained on piano since the age of five, Alice also took vocal lessons and honed her songwriting skills before meeting Berlin-based producer Nicolas Rebscher, who helped to shape what’s her sound now. Knowing her background, it should not be surprising that her first song goes after the title of No Roots and combines Alice’s intense vocals with throbbing urban-pop hooks and a bold sound.

Hailed as ‘a palpable success… and utterly new’ at its premiere performance, Bob Chilcott’s Christmas Oratorio brings the magic, wonder and joy of a centuries-old story to modern-day life. This first recording reassembles the glittering cast of soloists from the premiere: Nick Pritchard’s Evangelist, intimately accompanied by harp and flute, is joined by mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly and bass Neal Davies. Benjamin Nicholas’s award-winning Choir of Merton College, Oxford enrich the Christmas story with carols that are sure to become instant favourites. The composer is delighted with the recording, describing it as ‘elegant, well paced and poised… The choir is fabulous – confident and sure’.

Alice Merton could be considered as a sort of musical globetrotter. Raised in Canada, she finished school in Germany before moving to England with her family. Classically trained on piano since the age of five, Alice also took vocal lessons and honed her songwriting skills before meeting Berlin-based producer Nicolas Rebscher, who helped to shape what’s her sound now. Knowing her background, it should not be surprising that her first song goes after the title of No Roots and combines Alice’s intense vocals with throbbing urban-pop hooks and a bold sound.

The story of a monk, a minstrel, and the music that brought them together