The Manchester Carols

Sasha Johnson Manning's "The Manchester Carols" is a captivating musical journey, released on December 15, 2009, under the Naxos label. This enchanting album is a collaboration between Manning and poet Carol Ann Duffy, featuring a cycle of poems set to music. With a duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, the album comprises 16 tracks, including standout pieces like "The Carol Singers' Carol," "Let It be cold," and "We Believe."

The Manchester Carols were first performed in 2007 at the Royal Northern College of Music, and the album brings together the Manchester Carollers and the Northern Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Richard Tanner. The compositions are written for unison/upper voices and equal voices, creating a harmonious blend that showcases the beauty of the text and the music. The album is a testament to Manning's skill as a composer, with her orchestrations sometimes subtly complementing and other times powerfully enhancing Duffy's evocative poetry.

This album is not just a collection of carols but a celebration of the festive season, with each track offering a unique perspective on the Christmas narrative. From the joyous "Christmas Flowers" to the reflective "Annunciation," the album offers a diverse range of moods and styles. The Manchester Carols is a timeless addition to any music lover's collection, offering a fresh and inspiring take on traditional themes.