The Knole Singers

British choral choir.

John Brunning, once of Mungo Jerry fame, and now best known as presenter of the "Drive" and "Chart" shows on Classic FM, has penned here some of the most melodious and evocative of contemporary Christian choruses.

This is the first time his classic "Pie Jesu" has been recorded in the version for organ and choir, which forms the centrepiece of his moving, seven-movement work, "Amazing Day". Other highlights are his beautiful new versions of "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and "Ave Maria".

The Knole Singers are all young adults. Many of the singers have been singing together since they were members of the Kent Youth Chamber Choir, with Anthony Dawson as Musical Director. When they became too old to sing in a youth choir, they formed The Knole Singers, taking their name from the Classic FM property in Sevenoaks, Kent, UK where they have performed each year since 1999.

Taking time out from their regular jobs (including vets, teachers, and lawyers), each summer they stay at a different cathedral where they sing, usually for a week, in place of the cathedral's own choir during their holiday. These include: Canterbury, York Minster, Liverpool, St. Paul's, Norwich, St. David's, Southwark, Wells, Exeter, Winchester, Worcester, Gloucester, and Salisbury.

Anthony Dawson heard John’s "Pie Jesu" on Classic FM and wrote to ask if he could perform it. John replied by asking to hear a recording of The Knole Singers. Subsequently, Brunning invited Dawson to give the first performance of "Amazing Day", which Dawson conducted in the Sevenoaks Summer Festival in June 2009.