Benenden Chapel Choir have given their UK première performance of Stabat Mater ahead of its release tomorrow (Friday 24 June) on CD.
The 80-minute long interpretation of the piece – a 13th century text which portrays Mary’s suffering following Christ’s crucifixion – is the School’s first ever commercial CD. It was composed by David Bednall, one of the leading choral composers of his generation.
Benenden Chapel Choir, which is made up of 34 girls aged 13 to 18, collaborated with renowned violinist Jennifer Pike to record the CD. She shot to fame in 2002 when she was named the BBC Young Musician of the Year and performs the solo violin part on the CD.
They gave the première performance of Stabat Mater at a concert at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, London.
The CD, which is being released through Regent Records, goes on sale through Amazon and High Street music stores.