Students in the University Chamber Choir had the opportunity to work with one of Britain’s leading composers in rehearsal on Tuesday 28 November, in preparation for singing in the University Carol Service in Canterbury Cathedral.

The choir was privileged to welcome Russell Hepplewhite to Colyer-Fergusson Hall, to work on Russell’s Star of the East. It can be a daunting prospect, performing a composer’s work in their presence, but the Choir rose to the occasion magnificently.

Hailed by the Evening Standard as one of the brightest young talents to have emerged in recent years, Russell’s award-winning work has been commissioned to critical acclaim by English Touring Opera, and his choral works are part of the recent Genesis Choral Library series launched by Banks Music Publications. His next work, ‘Moonfleet,’ is set to open at the Salisbury Playhouse in April.

It was a terrific opportunity for the students to get to grips with contemporary music with the composer offering them insights into the creation of the work and its realisation; huge thanks to Russell for coming down from London especially for the event.