This disc has two striking qualities: superb a cappella compositions performed by a choir with excellent balance and control. Campkin’s choral works depict a journey from darkness to light, reflecting the composer’s own personal journey. His diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at the age of 17 influenced his personal experiences, forcing him to abandon his viola playing career and focus on styling composition at Oxford, the Royal Academy of Music, and the University for Performing Arts in Vienna. There are many standout moments where the Phoenix Consort, made up of current students or graduates from Durham University, specialising in repertoire from the Renaissance to contemporary works, efficaciously takes us on Campkin’s journey to light.

Adam Whitmore’s young choir deserves praise for their excellent balance, blend, and tonal quality. They are adept at communicating the various texts with a resonant sensitivity. Particularly impressive is Dazzling Darkness, the text by Henry Vaughan, a poet who has inspired Campkin on more than one occasions. The virtuosic Consort lithely tackles this piece requiring unusual vocal techniques such as whistling and humming with a compelling rhythmic energy. As an ensemble, Phoenix Consort manages the harmonic changes with a lovely tone and vibrancy; everything is well-controlled as they deftly transport us to a luminous world where ‘the moon shines bright and the stars give light’ as we all Awake, Awake! This is a truly remarkable début performance for the Phoenix Consort.