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Old Royal Naval College Trinity Laban Chapel Choir launch debut album

Tue 19 December 2017

Directed by Ralph Allwood MBE, ‘Sacred Choral Works’ is the first album entirely devoted to the music of Roderick Williams OBE 

Under the baton of celebrated choral conductor Ralph Allwood MBE, the Old Royal Naval College Trinity Laban Chapel Choir has recorded the works of British singer and composer Roderick Williams OBE. 

The choir is formed of local volunteer singers who sing alongside twelve choral scholars from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and is unique in being the only collegiate chapel choir in the world to be attached to a specialist conservatoire. 

To launch their debut recording on Friday 15th December the choir performed a selection of tracks from the album in the stunning setting of the Old Royal Naval College Chapel. The performance was followed by a drinks reception with the artists and the composer. 

Known primarily as an internationally-acclaimed baritone, Williams has received much praise for his work as a choral and vocal composer, winning a British Composer Award in 2016 and enjoying international performances and recordings. 

On having a CD of his works recorded Williams comments: 

“This is the first CD that has been dedicated to my music. The thrill and the honour of it is difficult to put into words. Many of these pieces I had never heard until the recording sessions. I am immensely grateful to all concerned for making it possible.”

Choir director Ralph Allwood comments: 

“It was an inspired idea of Timothy Teague’s to suggest making a recording of the choral music of Roderick Williams. Because most of the choir are studying voice at Trinity Laban, and because he’s such a fine baritone, Roderick is a role model as a singer as well as a musician.  His unusual musicianship enables him to pick up the style of any work which he is involved with, and create his own superb choral pieces. I was thrilled that Signum took on the disc, and it was wonderful to work with Adrian Peacock, with his superb producing skills.” 

The album is available to purchase now from Presto Classical. 

To find out more about studying music at Trinity Laban, visit our pages.