However, the choir has felt for some time that it would like to be more closely aligned to the iconic building it calls home and all it stands for. With its new name the choir will now be instantly recognised for what it is and where it is based. The name change will put the choir more firmly on the musical map, particularly in the English Midlands, where most of its concerts are presented. It will also be more identifiable to a wider audience, both within the UK and beyond.
The choir has a membership of around ninety auditioned singers from all ages and walks of life and promotes its own season of concerts in Coventry Cathedral and at other venues in the English Midlands area. Over the years the choir has performed with numerous professional soloists, conductors and orchestras in many of the famous concert halls, cathedrals and great churches of the UK, as well as in mainland Europe.
Coventry Cathedral Chorus has made many recordings over the years, featuring in the Hymnmakers series for Kingsway Records which has been critically acclaimed in the UK and USA. Most recently it released a new recording of its own – ‘Carols from Coventry’ – which includes arrangements of Christmas carols in tribute to the late Sir David Willcocks. Tracks from the choir’s recordings are played on radio stations around the world.
The choir broadcasts on both radio and television and form part of the stage choir for BBC television’s annual Songs of Praise Big Sing, recorded in the Royal Albert Hall, London, and conducted by Paul Leddington Wright. But after 37 years under the stewardship of Paul Leddington Wright, Coventry Cathedral Chorus welcomed Rachel Mahon as the new Musical Director from January 2022.
(From their official site)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
St. Michael's Singers Lyrics
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‘Glory to the newborn King: peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!’ Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies; with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’ Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King.’
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb: veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity,
pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth,
born to give us second birth.
The opening stanza of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" sets the tone for a joyful and triumphant declaration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the newborn King. The song starts with the call to listen to the herald angels singing about the glory of the newborn King, announcing peace on earth and the reconciliation of God with sinners through His mercy. The nations are invited to rejoice and join in the celebration of this heavenly message, as they proclaim the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. The repetition of "Glory to the newborn King" emphasizes the central theme and purpose of the song - to exalt and honor the significance of Jesus' birth.
The following verses delve deeper into the divine nature of Christ, highlighting his exalted status as the highest heaven adored and everlasting Lord. Despite His lofty position, Christ humbly enters the world as a human, born of a virgin, to fulfill the prophecy and serve as the bridge between God and humanity. The imagery of the Godhead veiled in flesh emphasizes the mystery and wonder of the Incarnation, where the divine essence is united with human form in the person of Jesus. The reference to Jesus as Emmanuel underscores the belief that He is God with us, showing His willingness to dwell among mankind and personally engage with humanity.
As the song progresses, Jesus is hailed as the heaven-born Prince of Peace and the Sun of Righteousness, bringing light and life to all who receive Him. The mention of healing in His wings signifies His role as a source of restoration and renewal, offering salvation and redemption to those who believe in Him. The lyric "born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give us second birth" encapsulates the central message of Christ's birth, death, and resurrection, emphasizing the transformative power of His sacrifice to grant eternal life and spiritual rebirth to humanity. The themes of peace, righteousness, and new life through Christ permeate the song, reinforcing the profound and everlasting impact of Jesus' arrival on earth.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FELIX MENDELSSOHN, JAMIE ARGON, RORY MARSDEN, WILLIAM H. CUMMINGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind