John Rutter: Psalmfest

John Rutter is a household name among choral musicians, and their audiences. Although Rutter is English, his music is equally popular in North America. Anyone who has ever sung in a choir has probably sung Rutter's music at some point. The history of the St. Alban's Choirs dates back to before 1539, when the ancient Benedictine monastery was shut down by Henry VIII. The abbey church became a cathedral in 1877, and with it a world renowned choral tradition was developed. This same choir also recorded John Rutter's Gloria and Magnificat for Naxos to great critical acclaim.