In March 2017, The Sixteen released the world premiere recording of James MacMillan’s Stabat mater, commissioned by the Genesis Foundation and dedicated to John Studzinski, on their own record label, CORO.

“I found that each time I listened I was rocked back on my heels. The music grabs you by the throat and never lets go.”

Music Web International, Recordings of the Year 2017

“Surely his choral masterpiece – and that’s saying something…It’s stunningly composed and also magnificently performed…under Harry Christophers’s inspired direction.”

The Times ☆☆☆☆☆

“Christophers’s adoration of MacMillan’s Stabat mater radiates out of every moment of this compelling performance…Posterity might well judge this to be a 21^st-century masterpiece; there is no question that this is a truly masterly recorded performance.”

Gramophone, Recording of the Month 

“Wonderfully sung; profoundly moving.”

The Observer

“A magnificent achievement.”

BBC Radio 3 Record Review

“A masterpiece.”

The Arts Desk

“A word of thanks should be made to the Genesis Foundation for commissioning the piece for the Sixteen. Warmly recommended.”

Choir & Organ ☆☆☆☆☆

“I am already confident that it is a masterpiece.”

MusicWeb International

“Christophers directs with superb detailing and the unerring conviction that he is dealing with a masterpiece. He may well be right.”

Classical Ear ☆☆☆☆☆

On 31 July 2017 Stabat mater was shortlisted in the Contemporary category of the Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2017.

To purchase a copy of James MacMillan’s Stabat mater, click here.

To find out more about the project and watch the film, click here.

For more information, read James’ blog about the piece in the Guardian and his interview with the Times.