‘Memento’ had its origins in an iconic landmark of central Christchurch - Warners Hotel. The six of us, all good friends, wanted a memento of our time singing together, both as a small group and in the back rows of the ChristChurch Cathedral Choir. We also hope that this recording can help spread the news of the musical renaissance at ChristChurch Cathedral a little further.

This CD unashamedly explores two diverse styles of repertoire appropriate for a small, all-male a cappella group. The first part is a contemplative journey through sacred anthems and motets of the Renaissance. The second part presents a cross section of Advent carols from around the globe, which the choral scholars and lay clerks might perform at Christmas recitals around the city as well as in the Cathedral.

During the production of this CD, the group’s thoughts turned to how we could support the recently announced fundraising campaign to preserve both the fabric and the choral tradition at ChristChurch Cathedral in perpetuity. Our thoughts turned to this CD and we are pleased to donate much of the profits to this worthwhile cause. ~ Morgan Simes ~

In addition to performances as a small a cappella group, the choral scholars (known as Godley Scholars) and lay clerks, together with some volunteer singers, sing alto, tenor and bass in the men and boys choir of ChristChurch Cathedral. This Cathedral Choir, founded in 1881, is as old as the Cathedral itself and is one of the city’s most important cultural assets. The Choir is one of only two choirs in the Southern Hemisphere to have its own choir school (The Cathedral Grammar School) for the education of the boy choristers. Some of the current choral scholars and lay clerks began their singing careers at this choir school and in similar choir schools in the United Kingdom.