American composer, organist and harpsichordist, Daniel Pinkham (1923-2006) studied the Organ and music theory at Phillips Academy in Andover before studying at Harvard. His Christmas Cantata is an exciting addition to the choral repertoire.

Pinkham was famously moved by a concert in Andover given by the Trapp family singers in 1939, soon after they had escaped Austria. He quoted, Here, suddenly, I was hearing clarity, simplicity. It shaped my whole outlook.

Pinkham''s career saw him teach at the Boston Conservatory and the New England Conservatory of Music, as well as being organist of King''s Chapel in Boston for 42 years. His compositions varied from symphonies to art songs, althought predominantly his music was religious in nature, frequently incorporating a choir and Organ. Christmas Cantata represents Pinkham''s influence of 20th-Century trends, often embracing plainchant, joining Stravinsky and Hindemith''s revival of early music. For all aspiring choirs seeking varied modern repertoire, Christmas Cantata provides an exciting performance work.