British composer's music chosen to be sung for Pope

A work by a Bristol-based composer is to be sung this week at a Mass in Washington DC led by Pope Benedict XVI in front of a congregation of 40,000. The piece is the single British musical contribution to the event.

The anthem, entitled 'Love's redeeming work is done', is set for choir, brass, percussion and organ, and was written by David Ogden, a well known composer and conductor in Bristol and the South West. It is published by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).

The Mass is to be held in the brand new Washington Nationals baseball stadium on Thursday 17th April and will be celebrated by the Pope. The American church musician Thomas Stehle is conducting the music for the mass, and he selected David Ogden's piece to be included in the music line-up, the only British contribution alongside a number of contemporary American composers' works.

David Ogden said "I am delighted that one of my pieces has been chosen for this very auspicious occasion. The piece was originally written for an RSCM choir course in Cirencester in the West Country, and I am very pleased that it has now gone global as the Mass will be broadcast around the world. Several of my pieces are performed regularly in countries worldwide, often in America, particularly in Washington Cathedral, and it is fantastic that this one has been chosen for this high profile event."

David Ogden is a professional conductor and directs choirs in Bristol as well as the Royal School of Church Music's Millennium Youth Choir, the RSCM regional Cathedral Singers, and courses and workshops throughout the UK and abroad. He was formerly Director of Music at Clifton Roman Catholic Cathedral in Bristol. He works with the BBC in religious broadcasting, appearing frequently on BBC radio and television including conducting City of Bristol Choir this coming weekend on BBC Radio 2's Sunday Half Hour (Sunday 20th April at 8.30pm, BBC Radio 2).

Ends
16 April 2008

Notes for Editors:
More information about David Ogden can be found at his website www.davidogden.co.uk. 
For an interview with David, contact 07778 778691.
A high resolution image is available at City of Bristol Choir's website: www.cityofbristolchoir.org.uk/media and then clicking on the thumbnail, or by clicking www.cityofbristolchoir.org.uk/media/highres/davidogden-colour.jpg

For more information on the Pope’s visit to the USA, visit www.uspapalvisit.org

How to order Love’s redeeming work is done by David Ogden:

Copies can be ordered from RSCM Music Direct:
Tel: +44 (0) 845 021 7726
Fax: +44 (0) 845 021 8826
Email: musicdirect@rscm.com
Online: www.rscm.com
RSCM Order Code: A0549
Price: £2.25

And in the US from GIA Publications Inc:
Tel: (800) GIA-1358(442-1358) or (708) 496-3800 |
Fax: (708) 496-3828 
Online: www.giamusic.com/sacred_music/pope_music.cfm
GIA Order Code: G-6547
Price: $1.85

The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) is an educational charity and promotes the best use of music in worship, church life, and the wider community. The RSCM also publishes music and training resources, and organises courses, short workshops and activities. With over 8,500 affiliates, members and friends in over 40 countries it is an international network, supported by over 750 volunteers and small team of staff based throughout the UK.

PDFs of RSCM news releases are generally available here (go to "News Releases").

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srobinson@rscm.com
T: 01492 556378 / 07831 827701

or

Heather Bamber
RSCM Marketing & Communications Administrator
E: hbamber@rscm.com
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