In 1976 Pärt responded to the death of Benjamin Britten (whom he never met) with the composition of one of his most powerful - and disarmingly simple - works, the "Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten" for strings and tubular bell. Twenty-two years later, he was able to come close to Britten again through a commission from Lancing College to mark their 150th anniversary. Not only was Britten's partner Peter Pears an alumnus of this Sussex school; Britten had also written the Christmas cantata "St...

Introduction · Ode I: O Jesus the Son of God, Have Mercy upon Us · Ode II: O Most Holy Birth-giver of God, save Us · Ode III: O Holy Saint Nicholas, Pray unto God for Us · Coda (ad lib.)