At the beginning of 2003 my life took me to be Director of Music at Belfast Cathedral, Northern Ireland. I had only been once before, and that was for the interview! As with any new place, you get to know the musical scene and the people who make it tick. I was introduced to Lynda Barrett, a wonderful soprano and teacher at Methodist College, Belfast, and we worked together on many occasions over the years both at the Cathedral and in a small eight voice choir, Melisma. As I wrote pieces for the Cathedral Choir, Lynda would hear them and would also perform some of them with the various choirs at Methodist College. 

Fast forward to 2019 and Methodist College ask me if I would like to compose a concert work for the College’s 150th Anniversary. This was the first time I would compose an extended work for choir and orchestra. The College were happy for me to set the Latin Mass text which may seem a little distant from a Methodist tradition. I wanted this work to have a universal appeal post world premiere. The title of the Mass ‘Deus Nobiscum’ - God With Us - is the school’s motto and the perfect message of hope, comfort and joy in our world. Indeed, the Mass is perfect for any time of year, but particularly for Advent and Christmas when Christ comes to be among us, as one of us. The word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. 

Compositionally, the text is divided into eight movements. One each for Kyrie, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei, and four movements for the Gloria. There are two central key areas, D major and Bb Major, most suitable for strings and brass respectively. The ‘Christe Eleison’ section of the Kyrie was composed specifically for the School’s more advanced Chapel Choir, and the Benedictus for the upper voices Junior Choir. 

Missa Deus Nobiscum premiered on 14th March 2019 at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland conducted by Methodist College Director of Music, Ruth McCartney. The American premiere was held at Christ Church, Bronxville NY on 9th November 2019 with Christ Church Choir and Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus (Director of Music, Gabriel Lofvall) which was my first time conducting my new work. 

The premiere recording of this work is on the Naxos record label directed by Jeremy Summerly, with the Choir of St Luke’s Chelsea and the Chelsea Camerata with Grace Davidson (soprano).