Hearing music performed by its composer is a very special experience and so it is with much anticipation that St Albans Bach Choir welcomes one of Britain’s best known composers of choral music, John Rutter CBE.

For the concert, the choir is presenting a contrasting double-bill of music by the composer. The choir’s regular music director Andrew Lucas will conduct the Magnificat and John Rutter himself will be conducting a performance of his Requiem on the evening.

“I’ve conducted my Requiem many times, and in many countries,“ recalls Rutter. “The most recent occasion was in Edinburgh this summer, but a Requiem always has a special meaning in the season of Remembrance. I am greatly looking forward to the opportunity to perform it with the St Albans Bach Choir in a cathedral which has many happy associations for me, and it will be lovely to share the concert with Andrew Lucas, an esteemed colleague and old friend.“

Born in 1945, John Rutter began his musical education as a chorister at Highgate School and went on to study music at Clare College, Cambridge.

His career as a composer includes orchestral and instrumental pieces, a piano concerto, two children’s operas and larger choral works such as, Gloria (1974), Requiem (1985), Magnificat (1990), Psalmfest (1993) and Mass of the Children (2003).

He is probably best known for his tuneful and popular Christmas carols and anthems, such as A Gaelic blessing, and most recently for This is the day which the Lord hath made, heard by millions at the Royal Wedding this year. He is also a highly experienced and gifted choral conductor with many outstanding recordings to his credit.

Composition of the Requiem was prompted by the death of Rutter’s father and his wish to remember him in music “that could be appreciated by people everywhere“. Like Fauré’s Requiem, also an inspiration, the piece, in the composer’s words, makes “a journey from darkness into light“, and brings with it a sense of consolation.

After the Requiem, Rutter wanted “to write something as different as it could possibly be“, and in the joyful Magnificat, set out to create a work that captures the festive spirit of countries such as Spain and Mexico. The music is full of vitality and Rutter describes it as “a tribute to the sunny south“.

Andrew Lucas’ recording of the Magnificat with the St Albans Cathedral Choirs topped the classical charts this year.

Andrew adds: “John Rutter is renowned for writing tuneful and accessible music which is seriously crafted and rewarding to perform, and enjoyable to listen to. His Magnificat and Requiem are two of his best known larger-scale works, and hearing the Requiem conducted by the composer will be a wonderful experience and is an unmissable opportunity.“

St Albans Bach Choir will be joined by internationally renowned soprano Elizabeth Cragg, and Ensemble DeChorum, who also appear on Andrew Lucas’ recording with the Cathedral Choirs of Rutter’s Magnificat, Gloria and Te Deum.

The concert takes place at St Albans Cathedral, Holywell Hill, St Albans on Saturday, November 12 at 7.30pm.

Details: 01727 753173, tickets@stalbansbachchoir.org.uk or the Cathedral Information Desk: 01727 890256, Mon-Sat,10.30am-3.30pm