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‘‘This album is extraordinary. It expands the experience of classical music beyond the edges of the traditional map of classical styles. The word "luminosity" describes the nature of celestial light, and the music of composer James Whitbourn is a celebration of that light -- peaceful, radiant and clear. ’’
Tom Manoff on Luminosity for NPR's All things considered
“A truly original communicator in modern
British choral music”
THE OBSERVER on Living Voices
MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO INTRODUCES ANNELIES
‘‘The greatest accomplishment here is that James Whitbourn has created some music of great beauty, without trespassing into the realm of cloying. Not only does that release one to listen to the work's oases of soaring melody (both in the vocal and solo instrumental sections) with impunity but leaves the integrity of such an important piece of literature, and history, intact.’’
GRAMOPHONE'S review of Annelies, February 2013
‘‘Annelies (Anne) Frank has a permanent place in history as the Jewish schoolgirl whose diary of her years hiding from the Nazis makes unbearable reading when we know her fate at Bergen-Belsen. Melanie Challenger has fashioned an elegiac libretto from its poetic pages which James Whitbourn sets with such tender respect it’s almost impossible to hear without tears. Arianna Zukerman sings with subdued beauty and the Westminster Williamson Voices shape Whitbourn’s exquisite lines (and Bach-like chorales) with deft precision.’’
THE OBSERVER'S review of Annelies, January 2013
