Between 2007 and 2022 Andrew Nethsingha raised the already high standard of the Chapel Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge, to an even more elevated position. Part of his distinguished legacy has been to widen the scope of fresh commissions for the chapel’s music and to stretch his singers (and listeners) in countless new directions. This generously filled disc brings together 18 tracks recorded in the chapel at various times in 2022 and offers the richest spectrum of contemporary liturgical and organ-writing one could wish for, with some delightful surprises along the way.

MacMillan’s O give thanks provides a brilliant opener, setting the pace in terms of energy and tonal blend without frightening off the unsuspecting. This is immediately followed by the first of two spellbinding pieces by David Nunn, Sitivit anima mea of 2018, which introduces electronics into the mix, and highly successfully. Abbie Betinis’s Cedit, Hyems matches the choir with a dancing solo flute; again, a delightful combination. Other highlights include Betinis’s perfectly formed Aeterna lux, divinitas, which wastes not a moment, Alexander Hopkins’s gorgeously poised Salvator mundi, Domine for ATB voices, Nunn’s evocative and inventive oh pristine example and Cheryl Frances-Hoad’s gorgeous, blooming A Blessing. Slightly less successful are the two contributions from Judith Weir, Vertue being more memorable than Leaf from leaf, which suffers from a quirky organ part.

Mention of the organ leads to a quartet of superb organ solos, played by George Herbert. Although the St John’s instrument doesn’t sound in the best of health (some blower wheezing is noticeable in quieter passages), it is certainly front of stage in Frances Pott’s chunky and absorbing Laudes, Anna Semple’s meditative Oriens … and two outstanding movements by Iain Farrington. For sheer joy, the two minutes of his Celebration takes some beating. Farrington’s Nova, nova makes a breathtaking conclusion to the programme. With its finger clicks and jazz-flavoured organ chords, this is the epitome of funk and fun.

A resoundingly rewarding release with first-rate notes by Martin Ennis. Heartily recommended.