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Track Name: The Christmas Tree (New Commission by ORA and world premiere recording)
Composer: Debbie Wiseman
Text: Anonymous
Duration: 4:06
Nationality: British
- Throughout the past 20 years, there are probably few people in the UK who have not heard a theme from one of Debbie’s films or television productions.
- As well as being Classic FM’s composer in residence, Debbie is also a regular presence on Radio 3 and 4.
“I was thrilled to be asked by ORA to compose a new carol for them. It was especially exciting, knowing the high standard of the group, and imagining their beautifully blended voices performing the piece. The commission was for choir and percussion, and the first task was to find the text. I searched through many different options, and kept coming back to The Christmas Tree, by an anonymous author, as it instantly felt singable and joyful, and I knew that ORA were after something celebratory as their Christmas Eve carol. It also offered light and shade in the text, with a beautifully calm and serene section at the end of the poem which immediately appealed. The addition of the timpani added extra power and energy to support the choir. Hearing ORA perform the piece for the first time at rehearsals was a real thrill. I can only hope that the carol adds a little Christmas cheer for many years to come!”
- Debbie Wiseman