“In The Spotlight with Geoff Stephens: A Return To Winchester Cathedral” will include interviews by host Ron Roberts with both the song’s creator, British songwriter and producer Geoff Stephens, and The Dean of Winchester, The Very Reverend James Atwell. Stephens won a 1967 Grammy for his global multi-million seller.
Dean Atwell contacted Stephens to suggest a 50th anniversary re-launch of the song, with a reworking of the words.
“It was an honor to receive a letter from Dean James seeking permission to use my song for a new recording by The Cathedral Choristers,” Stephens said. “He also sought to tweak the lyrics to make the song more in keeping with its new usage of presenting the Cathedral as a beacon of light in the dark days through which we live. I replied to both requests with unalloyed pleasure, furthermore deciding that a complete re-write of the lyrics would be in everyone’s best interests.”
The new recording was premièred at a Gala Fundraising Concert in Winchester Cathedral on March 12.
“I was absolutely stunned by his generosity,” Dean Atwell said. “The Cathedral’s beautiful bells are sending a message all over the world. His words are absolutely fantastic.”
The 50th anniversary edition of the song was arranged by Winchester Cathedral Choir Organist and Director of Music Andrew Lumsden, and recorded in the cathedral.
Ron Roberts hosts special programs and monthly broadcasts for Baltimore Net Radio, including his spotlights of English songwriter, musician, arranger and orchestra leader Les Reed, and four-time Grammy award winner Vikki Carr.
Visit http://www.baltimorenetradio.com/ for a complete schedule and to listen.
Fredericksburg resident Keith Angstadt launched his Internet radio station after retiring from a career with the Mutual Broadcasting System. His first radio show was with WFLS in Fredericksburg, during his senior year at James Monroe High School.
