Choir & Organ shines a global spotlight on two distinctive fields of creativity, celebrating inventiveness and excellence in all their forms. We aim to inspire our readers through giving a platform to conductors, organists, composers, and choirs of every kind; and showcasing the imaginative craft of pipe organ building across the centuries, critiquing new organs and tackling ethics in restoring historic instruments.

Specialist writers appraise new editions and recordings of standard repertoire and works fresh from the composer's pen, while our news and previews chart the latest developments in a changing world and present opportunities to become involved. Choir & Organ is an invitation to engage with two unique areas of music – to explore the new, and look again at the familiar.

In the Winter issue of Choir & Organ our cover story celebrates the composer John Rutter as he turns 80. Alexandra Coghlan travels to Cambridge to speak with him about going against the grain as a young composer, the art of recording and the choral life at the University.

Over at St John’s College, Cambridge Christopher Gray’s first Christmas album with the choir is formed around Poulenc’s Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël and the Three Carol Anthems by Herbert Howells. He speaks to the Editor about Poulenc’s choral music, Christmas music in the 21st century and life at the college.

Leah Broad goes into the carol writing of Imogen Holst whilst Matthew Blaiden explores 16th century chorister actors, who would perform in playhouses through the Christmas court revels seasons.

On the organ side, Sander Booij's latest instrument in the Netherlands comes under the spotlight. We also profile the Swiss firm Metzler Orgelbau, and follow a recital tour of modern American organs.

We also explore all the latest Christmas recording releases and sheet music reviews, news, recitals and world premieres.