Second Farewell to Cambridge – with the Choir of King’s College
In spring 2018, the Choir of King’s College released its latest music album titled Second Farewell to Cambridge. The album features 19 tracks, including two Chinese songs, namely Second Farewell to Cambridge and Jasmine Flower. This marks the first time in the 500-year history of the choir that Chinese tracks have been included.
In addition to the two Chinese songs, the album features a range of classic tunes, including European classical music and British folk songs, offering music enthusiasts a chance to experience the captivating melodies recorded in the Chapel of King's College. The album's title, Second Farewell to Cambridge, is derived from the renowned poem by Chinese poet Xu Zhimo. During his youth, Xu Zhimo studied at King's College, and he later penned Second Farewell to Cambridge, capturing the idyllic scenery of the college grounds. This poem is a mandatory read for many contemporary Chinese students, with millions reciting and studying it annually. It also attracts a large number of Chinese visitors to travel to the city and visit Xu Zhimo's alma mater, King's College.
There have been various popular musical adaptations of Second Farewell to Cambridge, but the version included in this album is the first mainstream classical rendition. The renowned British composer John Rutter composed a new musical arrangement, setting the score for this album. This allows the Choir of King's College, with precise Chinese pronunciation, to flawlessly interpret the 18th-century Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower, conducted by the choir's conductor, Stephen Cleobury. It is worth mentioning that the cover image of the album is contributed by the meticulous traditional Chinese painter Yu Hui from Jiangsu, China.
In 2018, the King's Men toured China, performing some of the songs from this album in cities such as Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou. During the annual Cambridge Xu Zhimo Poetry and Arts Festival held in August 2018, King's College also inaugurated the Xu Zhimo Garden, with King's Men performing songs from the album at the opening ceremony. This album gained significant attention in Chinese media as well as social platforms, with tens of millions of people appreciating these songs, allowing Chinese audiences to experience the charm of British choral music.
Cam Rivers Publishing played an important role in both the production and promotion of the album. Cam Rivers organised the performances and cultural exchange events in China during the Choir’s 2018 tour.