New composition Only Glad Tidings, written especially for the British Red Cross, will be receive its world premiere at their annual Festive Concert at St Paul’s Cathedral on the 20^th December. Composed by Sir Karl to a text by his wife, writer and music educationalist Lady Carol Barratt, the piece focuses on the power of the festive period to unite us. Sir Karl set out to compose a seasonal, secular carol, around the theme of loneliness. The cheerful Only glad tidings chorus repeats, with contrasting verse sections addressing the aims of the British Red Cross which supports people in crisis across the UK. Speaking about the project, Sir Karl said:

“I often speak to people who are experiencing crisis, such as the loss of a family member, who reach out to me because they find comfort in the things that I write. I think music is most powerful in that sense, it can help to bring solace to people during the most difficult of times.

“I don’t believe that music changes anything that’s going on in the world, the world is still a difficult place, but it can change people’s spirits and support them through difficult times.

“It’s a pleasure for me to write this piece of music as a gift in honour of the Red Cross, an organisation that helps to make the world better for people.”

Only Glad Tidings will be performed by the St Paul’s Cathedral Choir and conductor Simon Johnson on 20^th December.

Tickets available from Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/st-pauls-cathedral-concert