Behind the regal voices of the King's College Chapel Choir

For more than 20 years, Stephen Cleobury has been director of music at King's College in Cambridge, England. He's also conductor laureate of the BBC Singers and remains active as an organ recitalist.

But Cleobury's main responsibility is as leader of the King's College Choir. That ensemble, founded in the 15th century at the request of King Henry VI, has earned a place in modern hearts around the world through the annual Christmas Eve broadcasts of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

This month, the choir toured in the United States and Minnesota Public Radio presented them in performance on Tuesday night at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

Classical music host Michael Barone chatted with Stephen Cleobury about a wide range of topics, including the choir's heavy tour schedule and responsibilities at King's College Chapel.

PROGRAM:

Part 1

O sing unto the Lord: Thomas Tomkins (3:40)

O Lord, in thy wrath: Orlando Gibbons (3:35)

This is the record of John: Orlando Gibbons (4:10)

Hosanna to the Son of David: Thomas Weelkes (2:05)

La Saintete de Jesus-Christ (Meditations sur le Mystere de la Sainte Trinite): Olivier Messiaen (10:45) - Tom Kimber, organ

O vos omnes: Pablo Casals (3:48)

Quatre Motets pour un temps de penitence: Francis Poulenc (14:35)

Part 2

Lobet den Herrn: J.S. Bach (6:40)

Praeludium in e: Nicolaus Bruhns (8:25 ) - Peter Stevens, organ

Set me as a seal: William Walton (3:45)

Ascending into Heaven Judith Weir (7:40)

O clap your hands Ralph Vaughan Williams (3:11)

ENCORE: Plebs Angelica by Sir Michael Tippett (3:25)

CHOIR of KING'S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE

Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul, Minnesota April 8, 2008

STEPHEN CLEOBURY, Director; Peter Stevens & Tom Kimber, Organ Scholars

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