Enjoy our carols countdown throughout Advent

Throughout Advent we will be sharing a carol a day to celebrate Norwich Cathedral Choir’s new festive album Lord of the Dance: Christmas Carols from Norwich Cathedral.

Some of our wonderful singers and members of the Cathedral's music team will also be sharing what they love most about these beautiful carols.

Today’s featured carol is The First Nowell.

"The First Nowell is one of my favourite Christmas carols. It’s easy to sing and has such a lovely tune that it always fills me with Christmas joy."

Sam Zhou, Chorister

O come, Emmanuel

"One of my highlights in the lead up to Christmas is the singing of the great Advent ‘O’ antiphons. This hymn and its iconic tune brings together these ancient texts to create what is, for me, the sound of Advent."

Isaac Cooper, Lay Clerk

Away in a manger

"As a chorister it’s exciting and even a little scary to take part in Christmas services in the Cathedral, because you want to do well for everyone there. But there is something so comforting and calm about singing Away in a Manger, it’s so soothing and sweet in the big space of the Cathedral."

Ren Cubitt, Chorister

Once in Royal David's City

“Once in Royal David’s City is the carol that starts off a service of Nine Lessons and Carols around the world. It’s the first solo I ever sang as a four-year-old in a little village north of Sri Lanka more than 35 years ago, and the sound of the choristers singing the first verse at Norwich Cathedral is always magical and nostalgic!”

Dhilan Gnanadurai, Lay Clerk

Lord of the Dance

"Although not a typical text for a Christmas carol, the story of Christ's life, death and resurrection is brought to life by Mr Grote's festive arrangement. I can't wait to continue the seasonal music in my fifth Christmas as a chorister!"

Charlotte Platten, Chorister

Norwich Cathedral Choir's new festive album Lord of the Dance: Christmas Carols from Norwich Cathedral is available now on all major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.

The album is also available to buy in a CD format from the Cathedral gift shop for an introductory price of £10.