Now I Joseph was Walking

A NEW musical commission of a rare ancient work can be heard at a St Albans church this Sunday.

Based on the earliest gospel not to make it into the New Testament, The Gospel of James, 150 AD, Now I, Joseph, was Walking, is a musical setting of the birth of Jesus told from Joseph’s point of view.

It is being presented by the group Bucinate at 6pm in St Saviour’s Church in Sandpit Lane.

The musical director and arranger is Nicholas Hare, and overall direction is by Imogen de la Bere, better known for her work with OVO.

The UK premiere during 2011’s Christmas Tree Festival was so well received that a new extended version was commissioned from the composer, incorporating Christ’s Presentation in the Temple, which is traditionally celebrated at the feast of Candlemass in early February.

The semi-staged performance, using a mixture of professional and parish singers, is to mark St Saviour’s Patronal Festival.

It is free of charge, lasts about an hour, and will be followed by refreshments.