Will Todd

Photos of the Padre Pio CD Launch Party

There is no doubt that the new Pope wishes to see a return to the great music of the sixteenth century but that it should sit alongside the music of our present day. Those of you who know our repertoire will be well acquainted with our many recordings of Renaissance works. However, it is also important that we champion music of today. This would not be possible without the support, belief and encouragement of individuals. We are so fortunate to have in John Studzinski, the architect of the whole “Padre Pio” project, through his inspired Genesis Foundation, someone who believes not only in creating spiritual experiences but also ensuring that music in the Catholic Church is upheld and, above all, injected with life.

An excerpt from Stay with Me (Padre Pio's Prayer) by Will Todd - Commissioned by the Genesis Foundation

Harry Christophers and The Sixteen have recorded three new choral works by three contemporary British composers: James MacMillan, Roxanna Panufnik and Will Todd. Each work is a setting of the famous prayer after communion Stay With Me, Lord, by the Capuchin priest Padre Pio.  It was premiered in front of a packed audience at a public concert at Westminster Cathedral in June 2008. The purpose of the Genesis commissions is to enhance the liturgical repertoire and to inspire and delight people of every faith and conviction.

Among Angels is a new commission by the Genesis Foundation from composer Will Todd and writer Ben Dunwell. It was given its world premiere on 19 March 2006, the occasion of the 50th birthday of Genesis Founder and Chairman, John Studzinski in the Parish and Pilgrimage Church, St Wolfgang, near Salzburg. There was a further performances in London in June.

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have you present so that I do not forget you. You know how easily I abandon you.

Will Todd, composer, and Ben Dunwell, librettist, the creators of Among Angels, met at Bristol University and began their collaboration at that time.

Among Angels is a new commission by the Genesis Foundation from composer Will Todd and writer Ben Dunwell. It was given its world premiere on 19 March 2006, the occasion of the 50th birthday of Genesis Founder and Chairman, John Studzinski in the Parish and Pilgrimage Church, St Wolfgang, near Salzburg. There was a further performances in London in June.

After twenty-nine years of world-wide performance and recording, The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles.
Westminster Cathedral Choir is acclaimed as one of the world’s great choirs.
Harry Christophers is known internationally as founder and conductor of The Sixteen as well as a regular guest conductor for many of the major symphony orchestras and opera companies worldwide.
Matthew Martin is the Assistant Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral.

In the 40 years since Padre Pio died, and the six since he was canonised by Pope John Paul II in June 2002, the saint has continued to attract followers. He is venerated from Chicago to Shanghai and it is said that today more Italians pray to Padre Pio than to the Virgin Mary. He is already one of the most popular saints in church history.