With likely origins in the southern China provinces, the soothing pentatonic melody of this traditional folk song is reminiscent of the simple beauty of a white jasmine blossom. This lovely choral setting, layered with independent voice lines, is effective with the shimmering piano accompaniment or the optional string orchestra parts. / Choeur SSA

Born in Glasgow Hugh Roberton became a funeral director apart from being a conductor and composer. A highly motivated and self-taught choir-master he founded the Toynbee Musical Association in 1901 and five years later this became the Glasgow Orpheus Choir which gained a world-wide reputation and went on to perform under Roberton's direction for some 45 years. He composed much for his choir with perhaps his most famous pieces being 'All In The April Evening' and the 'Mingulay Boat Song'. He had a reputation for getting the very best from his singers who held him in such great esteem that when he resigned as their leader shortly beforehis death the choir agreed that they must disband. However the Orpheus rose again when many of its members re-formed as the Glasgow Phoenix Choir which continues to perform and tour to this day. Hugh Roberton was knighted in 1931. This version of 'All In The April Evening' originally published under the catalogue number 61427 for unaccompanied mixed voice Choir of Sopranos Altos and men is now in a clearer newly typeset edition. Other versions are available for solo voice unison voices female voice choir male voice choir full mixed voice choir (SATB) with Welsh words and also in an arrangement for string Orchestra and a 'meditation' for Organ. Duration: nearly 3 minutes.

A Gaelic Blessing is a simple and catchy piece by Craig McLeish. This piece will be particularly useful for school, junior and community choirs, and a tuneful introduction to singing simple contrapuntal lines. The second soprano part repeats the tune at bar 33 and should dominate here - the first sopranos and altos should support appropriately. Ease and beauty of tone should be of paramount importance throughout. An inspiring selection of new works from a range of contemporary composers, the Novello New Choral Series offers pieces for all types of choirs, including sacred and secular works from simple, four-part settings to more expansive, yet accessible, repertoire in an exciting variety of styles. Craig McLeish began his musical life as a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral under Barry Rose. He began composing at the age of ten and his preces and responses for four trebles are still in the repertoire. After a degree at York University he returned to London to study at the Guildhall and sang again at St Paul's as a tenor. At the time he also arranged and copied music for West End shows such as Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, and played bass guitar for various groups. This led to a spell in the cult pop band 'Fat and Frantic', who shaved the top 100 twice with the whimsical anthem Last night my wife hoovered my head. He also worked as musical assistant for David Heneker (Half a Sixpence) and David Fanshawe (African Sanctus). In 1992 Craig became director of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs Orchestra and Singers, performing concerts throughout the UK and becoming involved in a number of recordings and BBC broadcasts. During this time he arranged more than 250 orchestral scores ranging from Queen to Calamity Jane, Stravinsky and Stevie Wonder. Alongside this he began arranging and writing songs for children's collections (Big Blue Planet, Love Shone Down) and producing recordings and string arrangements for various artists (Sheila Walsh, Kim Hill, Matt Redman). He is also well known as a conductor and arranger for Songs of Praise. Recently Craig has collaborated with composer Tolga Kashif writing orchestrations for the RPO's Seo Taiji Symphony, the Classic FM chart-topping CD by saxophonist Tyler Rix, and the Genesis Suite which was premiered at the Barbican. He has been musical director of Young Voices UK for 13 years, bringing large school choirs together to play with a live band and solo artists, and currently conducts the Milton Keynes Community Choir, Hart and Soul Community Choir and the Milton Keynes Youth Choir. / Choeur SSA

(from Through the Eyes of a Child). Through the Eyes of a Child is a song cycle for singers and listeners both young and old. Whimsy and enchantment are reflected in A Girl's Garden (Robert Frost) The Bells (Edgar Allan Poe) and Between Two Hills (Carl Sandburg) as well as in the humor of Polly Wolly Doodle. This American folksong favorite gets a foot-stomping rafter-raising treatment in this unique setting. Polly Wolly Doodle Instrumental Pak has parts for string bass violin and percussion which support the voices in a vigorous and authentic hoedown-style accompaniment. Available: SATB SAB/3-Part Mixed SSA TTB Instrumental Pak ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx.2:30. Through the Eyes of a Child song cycle available: Instrumental Pak (Chamber Orchestra) ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 10:00.

From the same team that gave us You Raise Me Up comes Raise Your Voices as recorded by Secret Garden on their Earthsongs album. The orchestration and female soloist give this anthem the authentic Celtic feelof the original recording. Perfect for any size ensemble church or sacred school settings complete with orchestra pak.Available separately: SATB SAB and SSA. Instrumental ePak includes score and parts for Flute F Horn BbTrumpet 1 2 Trombone Timpani Cymbals Violin 1 2 Viola Cello and String Bass. ChoirTrax CD also available. Performance Time: Approx. 4:00