Classical/Review Hilgrove Kenrick, Ǣfendrēama, Chloe May Evans - Four Songs for Christmastime

First a cathedral chorister in Birmingham, UK, and then jazz gigs across the West Midlands, Hilgrove Kenrick eventually settled in Worcestershire, where he writes award-winning music for film, television, and games alongside classical and choral commissions. Composer, chorister, and musician Chloe May Evans has connected with millions of international listeners through her careful, evocative compositions, including crossover classical piano pieces, traditional choral scores, duets focusing on motherhood, and performances at Arte Laguna, Venice. Founded by Hilgrove Kenrick and Chloe May Evans, Aefendreama (styled as Ǣfendrēama, literally “Evening Song”) is a passion project borne out of a love of choral music and The Marches.

Hilgrove Kenrick’s “Four Songs for Christmastime” is a luminous and quietly spellbinding choral EP that transforms the stillness of winter into sound. As the second release in his “Four Songs” series, the project finds Kenrick channeling his cinematic instincts into an intimate choral setting, resulting in music that feels both ancient and strikingly modern.

Written for the newly formed choir Ǣfendrēama and conducted by co-founder Chloe May Evans, the EP unfolds as a short but immersive suite. Recorded live within the 900-year-old walls of Leominster Priory, the setting becomes an essential part of the music’s identity. Natural reverberation and close harmonies blend seamlessly, creating an atmosphere of hushed reverence that perfectly suits the season.

The focus track, “Winter’s Breath,” is particularly captivating. Wordless and ethereal, it draws the listener into a frozen soundscape shaped by clustered harmonies and suspended tension. Isolated soprano lines drift above the choir like frost in the air, with soloist Sara Brimer-Davey — formerly of The Swingles — delivering a performance of remarkable purity and control. The effect is immediate and transportive, evoking a sense of quiet wonder rather than overt festivity.

Throughout the EP, Kenrick avoids traditional Christmas bombast in favor of restraint and texture. The music speaks softly, inviting deep listening and reflection. Ǣfendrēama’s blend — drawn from the Three Choirs Cathedrals and elite international ensembles — is rich, precise, and emotionally cohesive.

“Four Songs for Christmastime” is a beautiful meditation on winter, place, and stillness — a choral release that feels timeless, contemplative, and deeply atmospheric.