The 2012 Choir of the Year, Les Sirènes, is a Glasgow-based female chamber choir consisting of twenty-five vocalists, all students and graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

'There is No Rose' explores a wealth of repertoire drawn from the compositional output for female voices, from a wonderful group of British composers. The first part of the CD celebrates the centenary of one of the most prolific British composers of the 20th century: Benjamin Britten. A Ceremony of Carols, although widely performed by children’s voices, was initially intended for women’s voices.

The other three works by Britten included here are carols which span his compositional lifetime - Sweet was the song, A Wealden Trio and The Oxen.

The most contemporary of the works featured on this recording is an incredibly moving setting by Tarik O’Regan of a poignant poem by the Anglican priest-poet Mark Pryce, Bring Rest, Sweet Dreaming Child. The Coventry Carol is a world premiere recording of this haunting setting for four part female choir by Lionel Salter which tells the darker side of the Christmas story.

The second of the world premiere recordings is in memory of its composer Sir Phillip Ledger, who was a much loved former Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John is a charming setting, subtitled ‘A lullaby for Becky’. The piece was very personal to the composer and as such was one of the pieces which were performed at his funeral. It has been a privilege for Les Sirènes to make the first recording of this work.

The Snow by Edward Elgar is a real showpiece for Les Sirènes and one of the works which secured their place in the Grand Final of Choir of the Year 2012.

The final part of this CD takes a lighter mood and celebrates one of the most loved British composers of the present time, John Rutter. Deck the Hall, the traditional English carol Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day and There is No Rose end with a message to all for the festive season - we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!