"A shining service of contemporary works The striking geometrics of this disc’s cover set the visionary tone to a tee. Segments of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi’s stained glass Millennium window (installed in St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, and dedicated in 2002), match perfectly this Ascension-themed programme ... The choir sing with tremendous fervour, clarity and power"

"Memories are made of this."

"There can be few more stunning sounds than that of a top-notch choral evensong cathedral choir in full cry, particularly in examples of challenging contemporary and near-contemporary settings ... The choir of St Mary’s Cathedral must be one of the best"

"This is a tremendous recital and showcases both the talents of St. Mary’s Cathedral choir and a range of fine contemporary composers."

RECORDS OF THE YEAR 2004

MusicWeb internationaI

"Stunning, virtuoso performances from Owens, Nieminski, the St Mary’s choir and soprano Susan Hamilton, with very informative programme notes by Jeremy Cull makes this an exceptionally wonderful CD."

THE ORGAN

"The choir is vivid and whole-hearted."

ORGANIST'S REVIEW

"There is some beautiful music here, all of it played and sung very well indeed. Matthew Owens, the organist and Master of the music at St Mary’s, brings out the best of his talented choir and tackles Messiaen’s meditative organ work very thoughtfully. There is only one word to describe this recording: uplifting."

CROSSRHYTHMS