Goldsmiths Choral Union is joined by Affinity Chamber Orchestra and soloists Hilary Cronin and Benedict Munden to perform a gorgeous programme of music including Brahms Geistliches Lied, Haydn Little Organ Mass, Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a theme of Thomas Tallis, Dyson Hierusalem and Howells Hymnus Paradisi.

There is a close relationship between Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and the work of Howells – Howells attended the world premiere in Gloucester Cathedral and was profoundly affected by it. Dyson’s Hierusalem is also inspired by Vaughan Williams, including similar textures and, at times, harmonic language.

Brahms’ Giestliches Lied is luscious, deploying a double canon at the ninth throughout. The work is usually performed with organ, but this arrangement by John Elior Gardiner is for strings accompaniment. The Haydn, known as the Little Organ Mass because of the organ solo in the Benedictus, is light and joyful.