Even if many fans of (sacred) choral music do not know the name of the London composer in this country, most of them will have heard his music, possibly unconsciously. Those who have experienced the various celebrations of the British Royal Family in London’s Westminster Abbey in recent years via television broadcasts have certainly been able to enjoy his choral compositions. Sir Dr. John Milford Rutter CBE (Commander of the British Empire) is not without reason one of the preferred composers of the British monarchy. His choral music has been described as “brilliant and emotionally stirring”.
Rutter’s compositional and conducting work has received countless honours. Recently (in September 2023!) he was appointed “Fellow of the Ivors Academy” in London. This puts him in a dazzling line-up of 24 composers of our time, such as Pierre Boulez, Paul McCartney, Elton John or Sting. Without doubt, John Rutter is one of the most influential choral composers of our time.
He creates moments of soaring beauty and transcendence that inspire listeners and choirs around the world. (Tony Gray)
Rutter and Christmas
Especially during the run-up to Christmas, it is a good idea to include a selection of this contemporary composer’s masterfully crafted Christmas Carols in your concert programme. His Christmas carols enjoy great popularity worldwide and…
… are anything but kitsch,but rather an ancient art form dating back to the 15th century… (John Rutter)
Joy to the World!
Enrico Trummer chose the title of this English Christmas carol as the concert motto for our concert this year on the third of Advent. The “Joy for the World” will not only be clearly heard in Rutter’s Christmas carols, but also in his “Magnificat”, the main work of the evening. The Stuttgart Oratorio Choir is performing this fascinating, demanding choral work for the second time after 1997, 2000 and 2015.
Let yourself be enchanted by heart-warming melodies and colourful sounds created by John Rutter on 17 December 2023 in the Leonhardskirche and get into a joyful festive mood!