Nova, nova
​for SATB Choir and Organ

Nova, nova is a setting of a traditional English text from the 15th century, based on St Luke's Gospel. It tells of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary with news that she will give birth to Jesus. The music is jazz-influenced with its bluesy harmonic inflections, rhythmic drive, percussive effects and exuberant energy. In the final section, the mood becomes openly joyful and breaks out into a scene of celebration.   

Nova, nova was commissioned by the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge for their Advent Carol Service. They gave the first performance on 26th November 2022, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha. Their recording of the piece is included on their New Millennium album.

Duration: 4'30 mins

The music is available to purchase from the Aria Editions website here.

​There is also a version with chamber orchestra accompaniment of strings, piano and percussion, and another version for brass band.

A recording of Nova, nova is included on New Millennium, featuring the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge conducted by Andrew Nethsingha with George Herbert (organ). It can be heard here. 

It has also been recorded by the Vasari Singers, conducted by Jeremy Backhouse with Martin Ford (organ). It can be heard here.

​Watch performances here:

Nova! Nova!
Gabriel of high degree,
He came down from the Trinity
From Nazareth to Galilee,

He met a maiden in a place;
He kneeled down before her face;
He said: "Hail, Mary, full of grace!"

When the maiden saw all this,
She was sore abashed, ywis,
Lest that she had done amiss.

Then said the angel: "Dread not you,
You shall conceive in all virtue
A child whose name shall be Jesu."

Then said the maid: “Verily,
I am your servant truly,
Ecce ancilla Domini.”
Nova! Nova!

Traditional