National Children's Chorus deliver their festive album, Illumine. It is a heartfelt celebration of human resilience, performed by over 250 young singers whose voices resonate with hope, unity, and the vision for a better world. In collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra, these exceptional young artists come together to create this special collection of artistic diversity. Recorded at the renowned Abbey Road Studios and AIR Studios in London, this release champions newly commissioned works and arrangements that honour winter-themed expressions from around the world...

Illumine offers 17 tracks (1 hr, 01 min, 07 sec) of holiday music from across the globe. Some are instantly recognisable ('Carol of the Bells', 'I Saw Three Ships', 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year', 'Silent Night'), but there's also Christian and non-Christian celebration tracks that will be new to the ears of most Westerners ('A La Nanita Nana' [Hispanic], 'Betelehemu' [Nigerian], 'Ose Shalom' [Jewish], and 'Diya Jalein' a new composition designed to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali).

It's a lovingly curated collection of traditional and new pieces that celebrates numerous faiths at this important time of year. The fact that all songs are performed by the younger generation, makes this all the more heartfelt, helping to deliver a hopeful and positive vision for our future.

A balanced and beautifully produced release that you'll want to dig out ever year to get you into the spirit of Christmas.

Track listing:

01. Carol Of The Bells
02. Himig Pasko
03. Yaldei Haor
04. Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
05. A La Nanita Nana
06. I Dream A World
07. Betelehemu
08. In Winter
09. I Saw Three Ships
10. Northern Lights
11. Ose Shalom
12. Diya Jalein
13. Glow
14. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
15. Lully, Lulla, Lullay
16. The World For Christmas
17. Silent Night

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Darren Rea