General:

Diane Louise Jordan introduces an evening of candlelit Christmas carols in the stunning setting of Hereford Cathedral. There's a chance to sing along with some seasonal favourites, including Once in Royal David's City and O Come All Ye Faithful. The story of the first Christmas is told by Julia McKenzie and Anton Rodgers, and there's music from tenor Alfie Boe, singing I Wonder as I Wander; and soprano Natasha Marsh with her version of O Holy Night. This programme is broadcast in memory of the late Anton Rodgers, who died shortly after filming the readings at Hereford Cathedral.

Interviews:

Hereford Cathedral Choir Natasha Marsh Alfie Boe Conductor Geraint Bowen (Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral) Organist Peter Dyke Prayer and Blessing given by The Very Rev. Michael Tavinor Dean of Hereford Cathedral Musicians Fine Arts Brass with Steve Socci (Timps) Readings read by Anton Rodgers and Julia McKenzie taken from the Holy Bible, New Standard Revised Version Published by Harper Collins Reading 1: Luke 1: 26-35 Reading 2: Luke 2: 1-7 Reading 3: Luke 2: 8-16 Reading 4: Matthew 2: 1-6 Reading 5: Matthew 2: 7-12

Music:

Songs of Praise Sig. Tune Composer: Robert Prizeman Arranger: Ray Monk Performed by the Songs of Praise Orchestra Sheet music for the Songs of Praise signature tune is published by Chester Music, catalogue number CH55835. You can listen to the theme tune on CD 2 of the Songs of Praise Album. Incidental music running under opening sequences: Title: "Deck The Halls" Composer: Alec Gould CD Title "It's a Wonderful Christmas2 Publisher: Chappell Recorded Music Library CHAP335 Title: "Jack Frost" Composer: Walter Stott CD Title "It's a Wonderful Christmas2 Publisher: Chappell Recorded Music Library CHAP335 ONCE IN ROYAL DAVID'S CITY Tune: Irby Composer: H.J. Gauntlett (1805-76) Words: Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-95) altd. Arranger: David Willcocks Copyright Oxford University Press Source: Carols for Choirs 1 UNTO US IS BORN A SON Tune: Puer nobis Composer: from Piae Cantiones, 1582 Words: Latin 15th cent. Tr. G.R. Woodward (1848-1934) Arranger: David Willcocks Copyright Oxford University Press Source: Carols for Choirs 1 Music: "I Wonder as I Wander" Performed by: Alfie Boe Appalachian folk carol collected by John Jacob Niles and arranged by John Rutter A version is available on Alfie Boe's CD "Onward" published by EMI Classics Catalogue No. 388 4292 O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM Tune: Forest Green Composer: English trad. Melody Words: Phillips Brooks (1835-93) altd. Source: SOP 54 Descant: Thomas Armstrong (1898-1994) RSCM (ii) OUP Arranger: Darius Battiwalla In The Bleak Mid-Winter Music: Harold Darke Words: Christina Rossetti Performed by the Hereford Cathedral Choir Source: Stainer and Bell Ltd. SILENT NIGHT Tune: Stille Nacht Composer: F.X. Gruber (1787-1863) Words: Joseph Mohr (1792-1848) Tr. Stopford A. Brooke (1832-1916) altd. Source: SOP no. 59 "O Holy Night" Composer: Adolphe Adams Words: Trad. Performed by: Natasha Marsh Natasha's recording of 'O holy night' can now be downloaded from the 7digital music store on the following website http://www.7digital.com/artists/natasha-marsh/o-holy-night/ IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR Tune: Noel Composer: English trad. Melody Words: E.H. Sears (1810-76) Arranger: David Willcocks inc. descant Copyright: Oxford University Press Source: Carols for Choirs 1 O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL Tune: Adeste fideles Composer: Melody possibly John F. Wade (c.1711-86) Words: Latin 18th cent. Possibly John F. Wade (1711-86) Tr. Frederick Oakeley (1802-80) and others Arranger: David Willcocks inc. descant Copyright: Oxford University Press Source: Carols for Choirs 1

Locations:

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL You can get in touch via the cathedral office - telephone and address below, or visit the Cathedral's website www.herefordcathedral.org Hereford Cathedral 5 College Cloisters Cathedral Close Hereford HR1 2NG Tel: 01432 374200 Fax: 01432 374220

Other Information:

Further information about Natasha Marsh can be found on her website www.natashamarsh.com Further information about Alfie Boe can be found on his website www.alfie-boe.com FINE ARTS BRASS Fine Arts Brass accompany the congregation at Hereford Cathedral. The Ensemble was established in 1980 and their repertoire contains a diversity of styles. For further information please visit their website: www.fineartsbrass.co.uk Details for Steve Socci (timps. Player) can be found on his website www.stevesocci.co.uk