In 2020 the Cathedral Singers of Christ Church, Oxford, launched the New Music Project. Its intention was to provide the choir with new contemporary music which would reflect the liturgical calendar, be singable, and, above all, be usable.

Grayston Ives was approached to write a Mass as the central item of the project. The result was Missa Aedis Christi, which is described as ‘a simple yet beautifully constructed Mass for SATB and Organ which uses flowing plainchant-like melodies throughout.’

The Cathedral Singers have just released a recording of Missa Aedis Christi, conducted by Hilary Punnett, with Simon Hogan (organ). The movements of the Mass are interspersed with a number of anthems commissioned from other composers under the banner of the New Music Project.

Funds for the commissions and the recording were generously provided by the Friends of Christ Church Cathedral.