for mixed voices (SATB) & organ
Text: English (adapted from Luke 2:15)
Duration: 3.5 minutes
Difficulty: 2/5
Use: Christmas

Commissioned in 2017 for St Asaph Cathedral Choir, Wales, Let us go to Bethlehem is an engaging and gently flowing setting of words adapted from Luke 2:15, full of joy and sparkling energy. Will Todd’s melodic craftsmanship is present as the sopranos set the joyful tone before the lower parts introduce the composer’s stylistic harmonies. Homophonic sections are contrasted with clever interplay between the parts, underpinned by a supportive and approachable organ part. An uplifting addition to the contemporary Christmas carol repertoire, which intermediate choirs should get to grips with quite quickly.

Text
Let is go to Bethlehem, and see this wondrous thing, see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.

Will Todd
Will Todd is a UK-based performer and composer whose music spans a variety of styles and genres. Best known for his choral works, he has worked closely with choirs such as The Sixteen and Tenebrae, and his 2003 jazz mass setting Mass in Blue has been performed extensively since its premiere by choirs in the UK, Europe and the USA. Other notable works for choir range from large scale oratorios such as Saint Cuthbert (recorded by the Hallé Orchestra in 2002) to the anthem The Lord is my shepherd, available for both upper and mixed voices with piano or orchestral accompaniment. He has worked on operas and stageworks, most notably in collaboration with Opera Holland Park for whom he wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 2013. A clarinet concerto, written for Emma Johnson, has been performed in the UK, USA and Finland and recorded and broadcast by the BBC Concert Orchestra. As a performer, Will leads his own Will Todd Trio from the piano and regularly directs choir workshops and performances.