Karl Jenkins: Stella Natalis (EMI Audio CD)  

Karl Jenkins’s latest EMI album features two new choral collections exploring seasonal themes. The first work, Stella natalis, comprises twelve Jenkins pieces celebrating aspects of Christmastide – winter, the sleeping child, tidings of peace, thanksgiving – with words ranging from the Psalms to new texts by Carol Barratt. The second work, Joy to the World, casts the net internationally, assembling nine traditional carols from Germany, France, Spain and the Caribbean, in new arrangements by Jenkins.

The new recording features the voices of Tenebrae, and guest appearances by soprano Kate Royal and trumpeter Alison Balsam. A UK concert tour tied in with the EMI release is planned for late November. Both Stella natalis and Joy to the World are scored for string orchestra, keyboards and percussion and will be available for performance by choirs in the run up to Christmas 2010, with choral scores published mid-year.

For more information on Stella Natalis, including dates for the tour, click here.