Ave Maria, Hail Blessed Flower (Op. 17) was written in 1961, and premiered at Cirencester Grammar School. It is a simple Christmas carol for unaccompanied SATB choir. It uses the image of the Virgin Mary as adelicate flower without sin, reinforced by close-knit, ethereal harmonies.

(b. 1934) is a British composer and conductor, who served as Master of the Queen’s Music from 2004 to 2014. He hasdeveloped from an enfant terrible ...